Police deploy forces with bodycams at Jantar Mantar, Dipke says 'govt waging war'

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police has stepped up security across the national capital ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) proposed protest against the Election Commission, deploying more than 35,000 police and paramilitary personnel as party activists remain firm on their call for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar. Entry points to the capital have been cordoned off, while 46 metro stations remain closed as authorities seek to prevent a repeat of the July 20 protests. Police personnel deployed for security are wearing body cameras on their uniforms, including devices that can record in the dark. A police personnel told ANI the cameras would help establish what happened during confrontations. "These body cams are to protect us and others. In situations of manhandling, allegations are levelled against Delhi Police. So, these body cams will prove whether we did anything to anyone or not. This will record eveything," the personnel said. Dipke questions security crackdown, says ready for arrest CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke left Mumbai for Delhi ahead of the protest and questioned the scale of the security deployment, alleging that it reflected the government's fear of young people and citizens. "I feel like the Prime Minister of this country is scared of the youth and the people of this country, and why is he scared? What was the need to shut down all railways, metros, and the internet? You brought the army from Jammu and Kashmir and deployed them in Delhi. You brought CRPF forces from Naxal areas and deployed them in Delhi. Are Narendra Modi and Amit Shah waging a war against their own country's people. Somewhere, this is Narendra Modi's fear," Dipke told ANI. He said the party intended to proceed with its protest peacefully, asserting that the right to protest was protected under Article 19 of the Constitution. "Protesting is our fundamental right. Article 19 gives us the fundamental right to protest in a very democratic and peaceful manner, and that is what we are going to do. If they want to detain or arrest me, they can do that. I am ready for it. They can arrest or detain me; it doesn't matter to me. Apply UAPA or NSA, apply it, but we will keep fighting for free and fair elections and to save this country's democracy," he added. Protesters detained as police tighten restrictions A few protesters were detained near Janpath in the Connaught Place area on Saturday as the CJP called for a large mobilisation at Jantar Mantar despite the Delhi Police denying permission. The proposed demonstration seeks accountability over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. In an Instagram post, the party announced its plan to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. “10th October. Jantar Mantar 2.0. We’re coming together again to raise our voice against Gyanesh Kumar. Thousands of us are expected...,” CJP said. Following the announcement, Delhi Police instructed its teams to detain anyone attempting to stage a protest, irrespective of their location. The police have also directed Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) units not to issue weapons for deployment related to the demonstration. Letters have been sent to the concerned directorates regarding the allotment plan. Unlike the deployment during the INDIA bloc protest, police teams have now been authorised to carry lathis and batons. In view of alleged deliberate attempts to record and circulate videos portraying police personnel in a negative light, teams have been instructed to avoid verbal confrontations with protesters. Those detained are to be shifted to six designated centres: Chhatrasal Stadium, Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Yamuna Sports Complex, Surajmal Stadium, the community centre in Daulatpur and the community centre in Pandrawal. Additional women personnel from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have also been called in for the October 10 protest. Facial recognition systems, drones among security measures The security arrangements also include multiple facial recognition systems (FRS), additional CCTV cameras, rooftop spotters and drones expected to be deployed across central Delhi. The deployment of more than 35,000 Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel comes amid heightened security measures and a directive from the Union home secretary to states and Union Territories to maintain law and order. Authorities are preparing for a large gathering despite the denial of permission, with several student outfits and political groups also expected to join the demonstration.