Nearly 27,000 paramilitary personnel will reportedly remain deployed in the national capital as authorities prepare for potential demonstrations. (Img: X)
New Delhi: The Centre has reportedly extended the deployment of nearly 27,000 paramilitary personnel in the national capital until October 20 as a precautionary measure amid concerns about possible intensification of protests, according to sources cited in the report.
The reported extension comes amid demonstrations and protest calls involving opposition parties, civil rights groups and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) over Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Security agencies are said to have flagged the possibility of demonstrations at several sensitive locations across Delhi.
The development puts the spotlight on the security arrangements surrounding protest sites and key public institutions, as authorities prepare for potential gatherings during the festive period.
According to the information provided, the Centre had deployed more than 50,000 security personnel in Delhi ahead of a CJP protest scheduled for October 10 at Jantar Mantar. The deployment reportedly included around 25,000 Delhi Police personnel, alongside paramilitary forces.
The report states that approximately 12,000 paramilitary personnel were already stationed in the capital following earlier protests, while another 15,000 were airlifted from West Bengal and other sensitive areas.
These figures point to a substantial security mobilisation. However, the exact strength and composition of the current deployment should be confirmed through an official statement.
Intelligence inputs have reportedly identified Jantar Mantar, the Election Commission headquarters, Parliament House and India Gate among locations where demonstrations could intensify.
The report also refers to potential protests involving the Bhim Army, farmers' unions, student organisations and political groups. The authorities' reported preparations reflect concerns about crowd management, access to sensitive public buildings and the possibility of demonstrations spreading to additional locations.
The report further states that Jantar Mantar was recently removed from its status as a designated protest site and that three alternative venues were announced. Any change in the status of a protest venue can affect where demonstrations are permitted and how organisers coordinate gatherings. The names of the alternative venues, the applicable orders and the precise date of the change should be verified against official notifications before publication.
The reported extension could mean a continued security presence around sensitive areas through October 20. Residents, commuters and visitors may encounter barricades, diversions or access restrictions if authorities introduce additional precautionary measures.
However, the deployment alone does not establish that restrictions will be imposed across the city. Any traffic disruption or public-access advisory should be checked against current Delhi Police and traffic police updates.
