Jantar Mantar protest makes I-Day prep even bigger headache for security forces

The student protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, led by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has emerged as a major security challenge for central agencies ahead of Independence Day, with intelligence inputs estimating that over 15,000 protesters are currently gathered at the site and the numbers continuing to swell as demonstrators arrive from across the country.

According to sources, what began as a protest by students from Delhi-NCR has, over the past several days, expanded into a nationwide mobilisation, drawing participants from multiple states. Security officials are closely monitoring the situation amid concerns over the increasing crowd size, officials said.

With the August 15 celebrations approaching, senior security officials have described the protest as the biggest immediate law and order challenge facing the national capital. Intelligence agencies have flagged the gathering as a cause for concern due to Jantar Mantar's proximity to key government buildings and the high-security zone in Central Delhi.

Sources said senior officials from central intelligence agencies have been making regular visits to the protest site to assess the ground situation and gather feedback. Agencies are particularly focused on preventing any disruption to Independence Day security arrangements.

To further bolster security, the Union Home Ministry has deployed 20 additional companies of paramilitary forces to assist the Delhi Police in maintaining law and order. The reinforcement comes after 20 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were earlier brought in from West Bengal. According to sources, the total deployment of paramilitary personnel in Delhi is expected to exceed 50 companies in the coming days.

Officials said the primary objective is to ensure that the protest is brought to a close before August 15, when the capital will witness extensive security measures for Independence Day celebrations, including VIP movements and heightened threat perception.

Delhi Police, assisted by central paramilitary forces, has intensified security arrangements around Jantar Mantar and adjoining areas. Barricading, frisking, surveillance, traffic diversions, and additional police pickets have been put in place as agencies work to secure the protest site and the wider Lutyens' Delhi area.

According to Delhi Police sources, Facial Recognition System (FRS) cameras have been installed at multiple locations across the New Delhi district in view of the prevailing law and order situation. Officials said the cameras have been deployed to ensure that anti-social elements, wanted criminals, or other miscreants do not infiltrate the protest gathering at Jantar Mantar.

Police sources stressed that the deployment of FRS cameras should not be viewed as an attempt to surveil or spy on the protesters. They said the Delhi Police has routinely installed such cameras during major national events and festivals, including Independence Day and other following events, as part of standard security protocols.