2,000 policemen, 20 paramilitary companies: Delhi’s massive security arrangements around Jantar Mantar amid CJP protest

Delhi’s 2,000 Policemen and 20 Paramilitary Units Strengthen Security at Jantar Mantar for CJP Protest

2 000 policemen 20 paramilitary companies – Delhi Police have deployed an unprecedented force of 2,000 officers and 20 paramilitary companies to secure the Jantar Mantar area ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest. The heightened security measures were announced on 20 July, as thousands of demonstrators gathered near the iconic site, demanding accountability in public examination systems and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Witnesses reported that police used baton charges and tear gas to control crowds moving from Mandi House Metro Station toward the protest zone, marking a significant escalation in enforcement tactics.

Logistical Planning and Force Composition

The security operation involved a meticulous deployment of 2,000 police personnel and 20 paramilitary units, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Sashastra Sikh Yudh Bhawan (SSB), and Border Security Force (BSF). These forces were stationed at critical junctions around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, and adjacent areas, with advanced crowd-control equipment such as water cannons, armored vehicles, and mobile command centers on standby. The decision to use paramilitary strength reflects concerns over the scale of the protest, which was expected to draw large crowds and disrupt traffic in the heart of Delhi.

Protest Dynamics and Security Tactics

As the protest began, security barriers were erected on four major roads leading to Jantar Mantar, creating a physical buffer between demonstrators and the parliamentary complex. However, police later dismantled these barriers near the venue to allow greater access for participants. Single-file corridors were established at entry and exit points, enabling orderly movement while maintaining control over the crowd. “They tried to stop us multiple times. There was heavy barricading all along the route,” said Glory, a Delhi University student. “We also faced lathicharge and tear gas, but we will not turn back.”

“Is this not our country? Do we, as citizens, not have the right to raise questions and challenge situations we do not agree with?” Kaniz Fatima, a 52-year-old Jamia Millia Islamia alumna, questioned the use of force.

The demonstrators argued that the police’s aggressive measures undermined their right to peaceful assembly, while authorities defended the actions as necessary to prevent chaos. The CJP-led march, which began at dawn, was part of a larger movement calling for reforms in the education sector and transparency in government processes.

Delhi Police’s Official Stance

New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma clarified that the force had not yet resorted to full-scale violence, emphasizing that the protest was being handled “professionally.” In a statement on X, he noted that reports of detentions or clashes were exaggerated, with the police maintaining that they had only used force in response to aggressive behavior from protesters. Sharma also mentioned that the prohibitory order under Section 144 CrPC was in effect, restricting unauthorized gatherings in the New Delhi district.

Monsoon Session and Protest Impact

The protests took place on the opening day of the Parliament’s Monsoon Session, which had already seen frequent adjournments due to disruptions. Demonstrators occupied Jantar Mantar, a historic site associated with student activism, to amplify their demands for accountability. The CJP’s efforts to reach the parliamentary complex highlighted the growing tensions between the ruling party and opposition groups. With 2,000 policemen and 20 paramilitary companies deployed, the security setup was designed to contain potential violence while ensuring the safety of both protesters and civilians.

Public Reaction and Broader Implications

Residents and commuters expressed mixed reactions to the security measures, with some praising the police for preventing chaos and others criticizing the use of force against peaceful demonstrators. Social media platforms buzzed with discussions about the effectiveness of the 20 paramilitary companies in managing the crowd. Meanwhile, analysts pointed out that the large-scale deployment of security forces could set a precedent for future protests, influencing the balance between law enforcement and civil liberties. The CJP’s strategy of mass mobilization has drawn attention to the education sector’s role in national politics, with 2,000 policemen and 20 paramilitary units symbolizing the government’s commitment to maintaining order.