New Delhi: All eyes are on the protest by the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ (CJP) today. While the CJP has announced nationwide protests, a meeting with the government has also been scheduled; this meeting is set to take place during the ‘Constitution Conclave’. On Thursday night, after 26 days, Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike following assurances from the government.
However, the primary demand of the students protesting across the country, including at Jantar Mantar, remains the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The CJP has clarified its stance regarding Friday’s meeting, stating that Pradhan’s resignation will be its foremost demand; the agitation will continue if the government does not accept this demand.
Amid the unrest in the capital, internet and mobile services were suspended within a 1.5-kilometre radius of Jantar Mantar. Now, the Delhi Metro has decided to suspend operations at 17 stations, a move that could cause inconvenience to commuters.
Which metro stations will remain closed?
Keeping public safety in mind, the Delhi Metro has ordered the closure of 17 stations starting at 7:30 AM today, July 24. The stations to remain closed include Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Kalyan Marg, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhamba Road, Supreme Court, Seva Tirath, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh, Shivaji Stadium, and Jhandewalan.
Meanwhile, the DMRC has informed that the facility to interchange metro lines will remain operational at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat stations. Those travelling for government, non-government, or other work will need to use alternative modes of transport.
17 stations were closed on Thursday as well
On July 23, the Delhi Metro had also decided to keep 17 metro stations closed due to the CJP agitation. This caused significant disruption to the city’s traffic system. Congestion on the roads led to traffic jams for commuters. Key stations such as Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Khan Market, and the Supreme Court were among the 17 stations kept closed yesterday.
Internet Services Suspended Until Midnight
In view of the CJP protest, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs suspended internet and mobile services within a radius of approximately 1.5 kilometres around Jantar Mantar on the night of July 23. These services remained suspended until midnight. While issuing the order to suspend mobile internet services, the Ministry stated that the Secretary was satisfied that this measure was necessary in the interest of maintaining public order and preventing incitement to commit a crime.
It is worth noting that the Cockroach Janata Party has announced nationwide protests for today, July 24. Robust security arrangements have been put in place in Delhi and various other cities.
