Delhi on alert for CJP protest: Railways cancels trains, cites traffic congestion

New Delhi: Indian Railways has cancelled Mail and Express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations during a 10-hour window on Saturday.

According to a railway order issued on Friday, all Mail and Express trains departing from their originating stations after 2 pm on October 9 and scheduled to reach either New Delhi or Hazrat Nizamuddin between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10 will be cancelled at source.

The decision has drawn attention because it comes a day before the CJP's planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. While the railway order cites anticipated traffic congestion around the two stations, reports have linked the timing of the cancellations to preparations for the protest. Railway authorities have not confirmed that the demonstration itself prompted the decision.

The cancellations could affect passengers travelling to the national capital on Saturday morning, with those booked on the affected services advised to check their train status and make alternative arrangements.

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Delhi Police have not granted permission for the proposed gathering, citing prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Police have warned that unauthorised assemblies could invite legal action.

More than 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across Delhi ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) protest, a senior officer said on Thursday.

The officer said no permission has been granted for any protest at Jantar Mantar and appealed to people to avoid participating in any unauthorised gathering.

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Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh tagged a post on heavy security personnel deployment in the national capital ahead of the CJP protest.

In his post on X, Ramesh said, "Clearly shows the level of panic and nervousness coming as it does after four days of unrelenting protests by the INDIA janbandhan."

The security personnel deployment was made as a precautionary measure to prevent any breach of peace and ensure the smooth movement of people and traffic. The officer said prohibitory orders are already in force in the area.

Police have appealed to protesters and members of the public not to indulge in any violence or attack the force members deployed for security duties.

They have issued specific instructions to personnel regarding handling women protesters and have told them to avoid unnecessary confrontation.

Police have also cautioned people against believing or circulating unverified information on social media or elsewhere.