Delhi on Standstill: 16 Metro Stations Shut After Jantar Mantar Protest Turns Violent

Security was tightened across the national capital and 16 Delhi Metro stations were temporarily shut by authorities following violence that broke out after a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) near Jantar Mantar on Thursday. The major interchange stations including Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Mandi House and Patel Chowk were affected, causing huge inconvenience to thousands of commuters.

Metro Services Curb Over Security Concerns

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced temporary closure of some stations and restricted entry and exit at others on instructions of security agencies. Trains still passed through some affected stations but did not stop for passengers. The move was to prevent overcrowding and ensure law and order in sensitive areas near the protest sites.

Protest escalates to violence

Restrictions were imposed following violent protests near Jantar Mantar and adjoining areas over alleged leak of NEET papers. Reports have been coming in of protesters trying to march towards the Secretariat and other important government buildings, leading to clashes with Delhi Police. Security personnel used barricades, tear gas and other crowd control measures to disperse the gathering after the protesters allegedly breached security arrangements.

Several police officers were injured in clashes which saw officials arrest several demonstrators. Services on the Internet were also briefly suspended in parts of central Delhi to restrict the spread of misinformation and to prevent the situation from deteriorating.

Commuters face a rough ride

Office-goers, students and tourists faced large-scale metro stations closures, particularly during peak travel hours. Long queues were reported at functional stations as a lot of passengers were forced to rely on buses, taxis and app based cab services. Diversions and heightened security checks also caused traffic jams on a few roads in central Delhi.

The Delhi Police have issued advisories to commuters not to travel unnecessarily in central Delhi and to use alternate routes till the situation returns to normal in terms of security.

Capital On High Alert

Protests over the exam controversy continue and authorities are on high alert. More police and paramilitary officers have been deployed around Parliament, government buildings and key public transport hubs. Officials said that metro services will be restored gradually and return to normal after security agencies determine that the situation is under control.