The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) issued a public notice on Thursday announcing the closure of Central Park, Connaught Place on October 16 and October 17, citing 'administrative reasons', ahead of 'Lehra do Tiranga' march announced by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).
Central Park in Connaught Place to remain closed for general public on October 16-17 due to administrative reason, the civic body said ahead of CJP's 'Lehra do Tiranga' march.
Also read: CJP announces fresh protests on October 16 in Delhi's CP with 'Lehra do Tiranga' call
CJP chief Abhijeet Dipke announced that the youth-led party will take out a "Lehra do Tiranga" march at Central Park in Connaught Place on Friday. The notice on Central Park closure was issued by the NDMC director.
"I urge all patriots to come to Central Park, CP, at 5 pm on Oct 16 with tricolour. We will show waving Tiranga is not crime," Dipke announced on Wednesday after police remanded CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to five days' judicial custody for allegedly trespassing into a private property to reach Jantar Mantar, a denotified protest site, and violating bonds requiring them to maintain peace.
The CJP, along with Opposition parties and other unions, is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and halt on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
In a recent press conference, Dipke accused the government of attempting to influence electoral outcomes through alleged voter deletions and asked whether the names of over 13 crore voters being struck off was a "setting".
He and leaders of different student organisations also slammed the Centre over the treatment of those protesting against CEC Gyanesh Kumar seeking his resignation and the alleged irregularities in the SIR of voter rolls.
Also read: CJP’s Abhijeet Dipke says hoisting Tricolour ‘not a crime’, plans Connaught Place event
Central Park closed: Police imposes BNSS Section 163
Responding to CJP's 'Tiranga' protests scheduled for October 16, DCP PRO Neha Yadav announced that a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is already in effect in Connaught Place and its surrounding areas, aimed at maintaining peace and order and ensuring the safety of individuals as well as public and private property.
Given the current security and law-and-order situation, the NDMC has informed the Delhi Police, via a formal letter, that Central Park will remain closed on October 16 and 17 due to administrative reasons, she said.
The civic body has requested the Delhi Police to make appropriate security arrangements for the significant and sensitive public park and to prevent any unauthorized individuals from entering.
Trade associations express concern on CP protests
Following Dipke's announcement of October 16 protests at Central Park, CP, various trade and market associations in and around Connaught Place submitted requests to the Delhi Police seeking protection for their shops and establishments against disruptive elements and unlawful gatherings.
"They state that such activities are adversely affecting their businesses, particularly during the current festive season," DCP PRO said, appealing to protesters and the general public not to participate in any gathering that violates the orders issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which is currently in force.
The official warned that appropriate legal action will be taken against those who violate these orders. "The Delhi Police urges everyone to refrain from disrupting the peace and order established in the area and to avoid creating a situation that could hinder the operations of local businesses and shopkeepers."
However, the Delhi Police may consider making arrangements to permit a select group of individuals to gather at a suitable location for the purpose of carrying the national flag and singing the national anthem, she added.
Delhi Police noted that display and carrying of national flag and singing of national anthem are to be done in prescribed manner by maintaining respect, dignity, and decorum.
"When carrying or accompanying the national flag, and during the singing of the national anthem, prescribed rules must be followed, and the utmost respect, dignity, and decorum must be maintained toward both the tricolour and the national anthem. Delhi Police once again appeals to everyone to cooperate in maintaining peace and order, and to support the police in every possible way," Yadav said.
'Hoisting Tiranga is not a crime'
Soon after announcing the 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march in Central Park of Connaught Place, Dipke faced questions surrounding permissions and gathering crowds for the protest.
Speaking to reporters in the national capital, he asserted that hoisting the national flag is a matter of pride and "not a crime," reiterating that the planned event to hoist the national flag would proceed.
"Tomorrow we are simply going to hoist the Tricolour. Our Tiranga is our pride, and hoisting the Tiranga is not a crime," Dipke he reporters before being escorted away.