The Delhi Police has issued an open letter to citizens, saying that ensuring their safety is its responsibility, highlighting that police personnel, despite wearing uniforms, are human beings with families and loved ones.
However, no blanket shutdown of Delhi has been announced, and the restrictions vary across transport services and other establishments. Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School has postponed its parent-teacher meeting (PTM) scheduled for Saturday. The letter comes amid rising tensions over protests in the national capital after the Delhi Police denied permission for the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar on October 10, demanding the resignation of chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, anticipated to draw a huge turnout. Train cancellations, proposed restrictions at 57 Metro stations, the closure of retail liquor outlets and heightened police security have raised concerns over movement across the national capital. Several schools and colleges in Delhi have reportedly shifted classes online, rescheduled parent-teacher meetings and postponed examinations scheduled for October 10 amid security concerns and disruption of metro services ahead of a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar. Sardar Patel Vidyalaya has shifted Classes 6 to 12 online on Saturday, citing barricading in New Delhi and student safety concerns, according to a PTI news agency report. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Mehta Vidyalaya has cancelled its Sports Day practice and enrichment classes for Classes 9 to 12 scheduled for Saturday. Around 26,000 security personnel from the central forces have been deployed in the national capital in view of the CJP protest.
The measures have prompted some to describe the situation as an “undeclared lockdown”. Amid the security measures, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has stated that “intimidation will not work,” as he alleged detentions of volunteers and supporters across the country.
“Dear citizens, your voice is your right, and your safety is our duty. Behind the uniform is also a human being who has a family and loved ones. The only difference is the uniform, not humanity,” the open letter read.
