Delhi Under High Security as Protesters Plan Parliament March Over NEET Irregularities
On the 23rd day of the protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, all eyes are on the planned 'Sansad Chalo March' to Parliament today, even as the national capital remains under heavy security. Over 3,000 protesters have gathered at the site, while Delhi Police have sealed off routes leading to Parliament and imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS.
The protest, organised by a political group, is over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. The group is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike, was taken by Delhi Police on Saturday and admitted to Safdarjung Hospital. Wangchuk has said he will end his fast only if certain conditions are met. He stated he would end his hunger strike after the march if the Centre accepts responsibility for issues such as paper leaks, or if he and protest leaders are allowed to reach Parliament and receive assurances from MPs that the matter will be raised. If his health prevents him from joining the march, he expects political leaders to visit him at the hospital and offer assurances.
Wangchuk has alleged he is being kept under 'illegal detention' at Safdarjung Hospital, claiming his movement, speech, and communication have been restricted. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, has moved the Delhi High Court challenging a previous order that declined to direct his transfer from the hospital. She argued that the order effectively confines Wangchuk without a formal arrest or detention order. The petition is expected to be mentioned before the court for urgent listing.
Delhi Police have turned central Delhi into a high-security zone. Barricades have been erected across roads leading to Parliament, with Jantar Mantar sealed from all sides overnight. Riot-control vehicles, armoured units, anti-riot personnel, and companies of the RAF and CRPF have been deployed across Parliament, Rail Bhawan, India Gate, and other VIP areas. Police have repeatedly announced that no march towards Parliament will be allowed under the prohibitory orders and warned that any attempt to proceed would be treated as an unlawful assembly. Security personnel are stationed at intersections and Delhi's borders in anticipation of participants from neighbouring states, with officials saying anyone violating prohibitory orders will face legal action.
The Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory warning of restrictions and congestion around Parliament.
