The Monsoon Session of Parliament begins today. The Modi government is preparing to introduce several key bills, including one related to ‘Vande Mataram’. Meanwhile, the opposition is attempting to corner the government on various issues. However, the entire nation’s attention is currently focused on Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where a major protest has been announced for today. The Delhi Police is on high alert following the announcement of a ‘Parliament March’ by the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’. Consequently, a heavy police force has been deployed at Jantar Mantar. A three-layer security barricade has been set up along the route from Jantar Mantar to Parliament.
10,000 Personnel Deployed
While there are currently five to six thousand protesters present at Jantar Mantar, ten thousand security personnel have been deployed. Tear gas units, batons, and ‘Vajra’ riot-control vehicles are stationed at the site. Section 163 of the BNS is in force in New Delhi; the assembly of five or more people is prohibited everywhere except at Jantar Mantar. The Delhi Police has appealed to the public to maintain law and order and not to take the law into their own hands. However, police sources indicate that the march will not be allowed to proceed to Parliament; the maximum extent allowed is up to Kerala Bhawan, and no one will be permitted to cross the barricades beyond that point. Discussions are currently underway between Delhi Police officials and the protesters. The Delhi Police has already clarified that neither was permission sought for the Parliament march nor was it granted. Tight security measures are in place at Jantar Mantar to prevent the protesters from marching to Parliament.
Sonam Wangchuk Sets Conditions
Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk has laid down certain conditions for ending his hunger strike. He has alleged illegal detention at Safdarjung Hospital, stating that his freedom of movement, speech, and interaction has been curtailed. He shared details of these conditions in a letter posted on social media. They have outlined four points in the letter:
First, the government must accept responsibility for recent failures in the education system, such as paper leaks.
Second, Sonam and the CJP leadership should be allowed to reach Parliament.
Third, MPs and leaders from various parties must give assurances there that they will raise this issue in Parliament.
Fourth, if this is not possible due to health reasons or other factors, MPs and leaders from various parties should visit the hospital to provide assurances regarding the points mentioned in the letter.
Several Metro Stations Closed
Several Delhi Metro stations will remain closed on Monday. The DMRC has announced this. In a tweet, the DMRC stated: “Due to security reasons, Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, and Udyog Bhawan metro stations have been closed until further notice.” According to reports, neither the media nor protesters can access Parliament Street Road; the area has been sealed off with barricades starting from Jantar Mantar. Access would only be possible by breaching the barricades, which does not appear feasible at the moment.
