NEW DELHI: The ministry of home affairs on Thursday said that mobile internet services will be suspended within a 1.5-km radius of Jantar Mantar from 4pm to midnight amid heightened security concerns following sporadic incidents of violence linked to the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest.Earlier, police activated mobile jammers around the protest site on Wednesday evening as part of heightened security measures.The decision was taken after Central Delhi witnessed multiple incidents of violence, with at least six police personnel, including two ACP-rank officers, suffered injuries.A 45-year-old Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel was also allegedly assaulted and attacked with swords and sticks by a protesting crowd in Connaught Place on Tuesday.The suspension of mobile internet services in the Jantar Mantar area comes amid concerns over a further escalation of tensions as the CJP protest continues.The move follows a tense Wednesday evening, when sporadic incidents of violence were reported at different locations in and around the protest zone.Police personnel were deployed in large numbers as the crowd gathered at Jantar Mantar and nearby areas.At least six police personnel, including two assistant commissioner of police (ACP)-rank officers, were injured during the violence, police sources said.
Connaught Place establishments to shut by 6.30pm
Amid the heightened security situation, shops, offices and restaurants in Connaught Place will close by 6.30 pm on Thursday following an advisory issued by the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA).The advisory was issued to commercial establishments in the area after the association received telephonic advice from the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), asking establishments to shut operations by 6.30 pm.The traders’ body urged shop owners, offices and restaurants to cooperate and comply with the directions, citing the “critical situation” around Connaught Place due to the ongoing CJP protest.The advisory said the precautionary step was intended to prevent any untoward incident, damage to property or injury.NDTA representatives said the advisory followed inputs from the NDMC about crowding in and around Connaught Place.Calling the early closure a precautionary measure, they said it was aimed at ensuring the safety of staff and customers.“There was a huge gathering in Connaught Place, with thousands of people coming to the area. As a precautionary measure, it was advised to close our shop if possible. Considering situation and for the safety of our staff and customers,” said Atul Bhargava, president of the New Delhi Traders Association.
CJP protest enters tense phase
The developments come amid four days of escalating tensions in the national capital over the CJP-led agitation against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.The unrest intensified on July 20 when the party’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march towards Parliament ended in clashes between protesters and Delhi Police after demonstrators allegedly attempted to breach barricades.The agitation has since continued at Jantar Mantar, with the CJP maintaining that its protest will continue until its demands, including the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and reforms in the examination system, are addressed.The latest security measures, including the temporary suspension of mobile internet services and the early closure of commercial establishments in Connaught Place, come as authorities remain on alert amid concerns over further escalation around the protest site and adjoining parts of Central Delhi.(With agency inputs)
