Delhi braces for crippling Jat protests

Police imposed prohibitory orders and major traffic restrictions in Delhi effective from Sunday night in a bid to foil Jats seeking job quotas from entering the capital.

Delhi Metro will stop plying to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh from close to midnight on Sunday.

The All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) has claimed that over 50 lakh Jats from 13 states will join its Monday protest march in the national capital.

Police said adequate police and paramilitary personnel had been deployed.

"Over 110 companies of forces from outside along with Delhi Police have been deployed strategically," Special Commissioner of Police Deependra Pathak said.

"We have adequate arrangements on the border, in middle and central Delhi areas. In no circumstances, violent protests or dharna will be allowed," he said.

Police made heavy deployment in areas bordering Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Delhi is ringed on three sides by Haryana and on the eastern side by Uttar Pradesh.

According to Delhi Metro, its services outside Delhi will be suspended from 11.30 p.m. on Sunday until further notice. Metro services will not be available in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Twelve Metro stations in central Delhi -- Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhavan, Lok Kalyan Marg, Janpath, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road, R.K. Ashram Marg, Pragati Maidan, Khan Market and Shivaji Stadium -- will be shut for the public from 8 p.m. Sunday.

The roads which will remain closed include Kemal Ataturk Marg from Race Course Metro Station to Panchseel Marg and Safdarjung Road to Aurobindo Chowk among others.

Kautilya Marg from Samrat Hotel to Niti Marg, Kautilya T-Point near Bihar Bhawan, Teen Murti to Gole Methi roundabout will remain closed for commuters. Zakir Hussain Road from Nizamuddin to India Gate will also remain closed.

According to police, Ring Road to San Martin Marg, Amrita Shergill to Lodhi Road, Max Muller Road to Lodhi Road, Archbishop Makarios Marg from Lodhi Road and all lanes leading to Panchkuiyan Road except Mandir Marg, R.K. Ashram and Hospital Road have been closed from Sunday morning.

Bonafide residents, office goers and students will be allowed to enter Delhi from 11 p.m Sunday.

With Class 10 and 12 board exams scheduled on Monday, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has advised students to reach the examination centres well ahead of the scheduled starting time.

--IANS

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