Barricades removed from Jantar Mantar after 33 years, road opened for public and traffic

New Delhi: For nearly 33 years, Delhi's Jantar Mantar has been the center of nationwide protests and movements. Some came here with their demands, others to register their protest against the government. In 1993, Jantar Mantar was notified as a major protest site. Since then, organizations, groups, or ordinary citizens have been demonstrating here year-round to express their demands. However, the landscape of Jantar Mantar has changed.

The Delhi Police removed it from the list of official protest sites in October, and today, the multi-layered security barricades have been removed. The deployment of paramilitary forces, QRTs, and anti-riot vehicles is also being removed. The road to Jantar Mantar has been reopened to the public and traffic. The removal of barricades from Jantar Mantar will bring relief to both citizens and motorists, but it also changes the arrangements for protests in Delhi.

Traffic normal at Jantar Mantar

The barricades and security cordon at Delhi's Jantar Mantar will no longer be as elaborate as before. For a long time, multiple layers of barricades were placed on both sides of the road, where security forces were deployed. However, these barricades are now being removed, and the road is being opened for public and vehicular traffic. This will provide relief to those traveling to and from Jantar Mantar and the surrounding area. For a long time, normal traffic on this road was affected due to security restrictions.

A major center of protests since 1993

Jantar Mantar's identity is no longer limited to just a street or a historic building in Delhi. In 1993, it was notified as a major protest site. Subsequently, people from various states across the country continued to arrive here with their demands and grievances. From farmers to workers, from social organizations to political parties, protests and demonstrations took place here on a variety of issues. While demonstrations were often by small groups, other times, larger movements also emerged at Jantar Mantar. For years, this place remained a prime location for registering protest close to the center of power.

Controversy escalates after recent CJP protest

In recent days, protests were also held at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and other organizations attempted to register their protest over issues related to the electoral process. In October, a conflict arose between the Delhi Police and protesters over permission and access to Jantar Mantar. Security was tightened in several areas of the capital around October 10th.

Three alternative venues have been identified

Road barricades and increased police and paramilitary deployments were put in place. Meanwhile, controversy erupted over the detention of protesters and police action. Following this, on October 11, the Delhi Police removed Jantar Mantar from the list of designated sites for protests. The Delhi Police designated three alternative protest sites in place of Jantar Mantar. These include Ramlila Maidan in Central Delhi, Burari Maidan in North Delhi, and CBD Maidan in East Delhi.

According to a Delhi Police order dated October 11, this decision was made based on the recommendations of a committee formed by the Home Ministry. This means that protests will no longer be allowed at Jantar Mantar, the designated protest site as before. Organizations will have to obtain permission for demonstrations at the newly designated locations.

Old security circle is also over

For years, multiple layers of security have been maintained during protests at Jantar Mantar. Barricades were erected between protesters and the public. Paramilitary forces were deployed as needed. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and anti-riot vehicles were also stationed there. Now, following the revocation of the protest site's status, security arrangements are being altered. Barricades are being removed and security forces are being reduced.