28 Jan 2021 | 06:25 AM UTC
India: Tight security continues across the National Capital Region, mainly borders of Delhi, as of Jan. 28 /update 3
Heightened security measures in place across National Capital Region, India, as of Jan. 28, following violent protests. Clashes possible.
Event
Heightened security measures are continuing across the National Capital Region as of Jan. 28 following violent protests on Jan. 26. The affected areas include Delhi - where the majority of clashes occurred during a planned tractor rally by farmers protesting over recently passed agricultural laws - and parts of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh states. Most demonstrators have returned to the road border points of Delhi, where thousands of protesters are holding sit-ins since late November 2020. Police are progressively clearing these demonstration sites; the Delhi-Jaipur highway and Delhi-Noida route through the Chilla border have reopened as of Jan. 28, while the Ghazipur border is partially open. Enhanced security measures such as suspension of electricity and telecommunication services are ongoing in some border regions; clashes are possible. Additional protests may occur in the lead up to or during a parliamentary session in Delhi Feb. 1.
Security Measures
Police and paramilitary personnel will likely remain deployed, mainly in central and outer Delhi, in the coming days. Officials in multiple areas of Uttar Pradesh State, such as Gautam Buddh Nagar and Noida, have imposed Section 144 - prohibiting unauthorized gatherings of more than five people and carrying of arms - through Jan. 31. Similar orders are in place across Haryana's Faridabad District until further notice. Suspension of mobile internet and messaging services are ongoing across Jhajjar, Palwal, and Sonipat districts of Haryana State through at least 1700 Jan. 28; demonstrators in a protest site at the Delhi-Ghazipur border are also alleging interruptions to electricity supply from late Jan. 27. Additional measures such as road closures and restrictions on public movement may affect other NCR areas bordering Delhi. Those traveling to or from Delhi will probably face security checks at checkpoints.
Transport and Commercial Disruptions
Most Metro rail stations in Delhi are open, except Jama Masjid and Lal Qila stations. Officials had earlier closed around 20 stations as a security precaution. Protesters are blocking various border points of Delhi, mainly at Haryana's Auchandi, Bahadurgarh, Gurugram, Mangesh, Piau Maniyari, Saboli, Singhu, and Tikri areas. Police have largely cleared blockades at routes connecting Delhi to Jaipur in Rajasthan State, as well as Ghaziabad and Noida in Uttar Pradesh State. Roadways facing lingering or ongoing travel and cargo transport delays include national highways 9, 19, 24, 34, 44, and 48. Traffic diversions and police operations are likely to increase congestion on alternative roads. Supply chain disruptions are possible; the movement of emergency vehicles and transport of essential items, such as food, fuel, and medical supplies, may be affected. Authorities have also reduced train and inter-state bus services to Delhi; further disruptions may occur due to fresh protester blockades. Businesses in the NCR may be affected due to workers' inability to travel into and out of Delhi. Travel and cargo transport delays are likely through the duration of the action.
Context
Over 394 police officers were injured in violent clashes Jan. 26 after demonstrators deviated from approved tractor rally routes in outer Delhi to enter central Delhi. At least one protestor died in a vehicle accident while attempting to breach security barricades. Security forces resorted to using water cannons and tear gas to disperse demonstrators involved in trespassing the Red Fort, as well as vandalizing several vehicles. Arrests and further protests are likely in the coming days.
Advice
Exercise caution if operating in the NCR, especially in Delhi. Confirm business appointments, deliveries, road conditions, and transport reservations in advance. Plan for possible travel and delivery delays; utilize alternative routes to avoid blocked rail lines and roadways. Monitor trusted local media sources for information on further protests as organizers may not announce details in advance. Avoid protests and navigating roadblocks due to possible violence. If clashes break out, leave the area immediately and take shelter in a secure, non-governmental building. Carry proper identification documents to present at security checks. Heed all official instructions.
