Two protests – the CJP’s Jantar Mantar movement and the proposed farmers’ agitation at Kisan Ghat – have triggered tight security, leading to traffic jams.
It has been a tough start to the week for commuters in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) as roads were choked by heavy barricades put up for two major protests – the youth-led agitation of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in central Delhi and a protest entourage of farmers trying to enter the capital via the Punjab-Haryana Shambu border.
Launched as a satirical outfit on social media platforms in May this year, the CJP has transformed into a youth movement with a massive protest against examination irregularities ongoing in Jantar Mantar since June 20, which has escalated since the alleged “forced” treatment of activist Sonam Wangchuk on July 18.
The CJP and its supporters planned to march to Parliament on Monday, July 20, but were stopped by heavy barricades, shipping and tear gas as they tried to reach the complex as the monsoon session began in parallel.
The protest led to widespread traffic jams across central Delhi and left ripple effects across cities as protesters demanding government action on exam irregularities, including NEET paper leaks, clashed with police for almost the entire day in their efforts to reach Parliament.
Delhi Traffic Police issued warning on Jantar Mantar CJP protest Although tensions eased slightly on Tuesday, heavy precautionary barricades kept traffic slow.
Farmers’ protest, tight security measures, warnings
In parallel, a thick layer of security was installed on the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border as groups of farmers planned to head to Delhi to hold a ‘mahapanchayat’ under the banner of ‘Desh Bachao Morcha’, against the proposed Indo-US trade deal, at Delhi’s Kisan Ghat on Tuesday. Farmer leaders had earlier said that participants from several places, including Punjab and Haryana, will attend the mahapanchayat.
Dozens of farmers were seen later on Tuesday gathering at the Champo border ahead of their scheduled march but were confronted by security lines.
Traffic moved slowly on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, NH-9, Delhi-Ghazipur border and UP Gate in Ghaziabad as well, as commuters faced long delays amid barricades due to farmers’ call to march to the national capital.
Delhi Police also arrested at least four farmers on the Singhu border between Haryana and the national capital, news agency PTI reported.
Two companies of the RAF and a company of Haryana Police were deployed at the Panipat toll plaza on NH-44 as many farmers walking to Delhi were expected to reach Panipat on Tuesday afternoon.
Panipat DSP Vikash Kumar told HT that as per information from Karnal, the farmers left on foot from the Bastara toll plaza for Delhi.
“But we are not sure whether they will reach Panipat or not, as almost half the day has passed. Even if they come, we will ask them not to go to Delhi without permission,” the DSP said.
He further said that no car or other vehicle carrying the flag of any farmer union will be allowed to pass through the toll.
Traffic warning in Delhi for farmers’ protest
The Delhi Traffic Police on Tuesday issued an advisory in view of the planned farmers’ protest at Kisan Ghat, warning commuters of possible restrictions and diversions from 08:30 am onwards “on an as-needed basis”.
See full traffic advice below
Commuters have been advised to avoid the affected roads around Satyagrah Marg, Velodrome Road, Rajghat DTC Depot Road and adjoining areas. Travelers arriving at the airport or railway stations are requested to plan their journeys in advance.
The tight security arrangements made at the Punjab-Haryana border point included a large contingent of personnel, chain-link barricades, cement blocks, etc., on the bridge over the Ghaggar river at the entry point into Haryana, with water cannon vehicles on standby.
Ambala Superintendent of Police Ajit Singh Shekhawat and other police officials were camping at the site to monitor the situation.
Authorities in Ambala also imposed prohibitory orders in the area.
