12,000 Paramilitary Forces Deployed in Delhi Ahead of CJP Protest
In preparation for the Cockroach Janta Party's protest on October 10, 12,000 paramilitary personnel are being airlifted to Delhi.
The Centre is mobilizing 12,000 paramilitary personnel to reinforce security in Delhi.
Protests are expected to draw large crowds, with participation from students and farmers.
Security measures include restrictions on lethal crowd control weapons.
The Indian government is deploying approximately 12,000 paramilitary personnel to Delhi in anticipation of significant protests organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on October 10. This move comes as the opposition intensifies its demonstrations against the chief election commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, amid allegations of irregularities.
Sources within the security apparatus have indicated that the deployment aims to bolster security in the capital, which has seen escalating protests over the past few days. The airlift of personnel from regions such as Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, and Chhattisgarh is one of the largest security mobilizations in recent history, comparable to the security arrangements during the G20 summit held in September 2023.
During the G20 summit, around 50,000 security officials were stationed in Delhi, including 30,000 from the Delhi Police and 20,000 paramilitary forces. The Centre has yet to officially comment on the upcoming deployment, but intelligence reports suggest that a diverse group of protesters, including students, farmers, and supporters of opposition parties from neighboring states, are expected to participate.
In light of the anticipated protests, security has been heightened at various entry points to Delhi to prevent unauthorized access. The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed security personnel to refrain from using lethal crowd control methods, such as pellet guns, which have previously sparked controversy. Instead, non-lethal measures, including batons, tear gas, and water cannons, will be employed to manage crowds.
CJP spokesperson Saurav Das confirmed that the party has formally notified the Delhi Police about the planned protest, emphasizing that it will be led by youth advocating for electoral integrity. Key areas around Lutyens’ Delhi, including the Parliament and Election Commission office, have been fortified with barricades to manage the expected influx of demonstrators. As the situation develops, the focus remains on maintaining public order while allowing for the expression of dissent.
