The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday ordered the temporary suspension of mobile internet services within a 1.5-km radius of Jantar Mantar as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests intensified in central Delhi. The suspension came amid a massive gathering of students demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak.
According to the official order, mobile internet services across all technologies will remain suspended from 4 pm to midnight on July 23. The government said the step was necessary in the interest of public safety, public order, and to prevent incitement to any offence. However, hours later, internet services were restored after Delhi police gave assurance for no-crackdown tonight.
16 Delhi Metro Stations Closed Again
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) also announced the closure of 16 metro stations from 7:30 am on Thursday until further notice due to the ongoing agitation.
The affected stations are Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhambha Road, Supreme Court, Seva Teerth, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh, and Shivaji Stadium.
DMRC clarified that interchange facilities remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat.
Roads Blocked, Heavy Barricading Across Central Delhi
As the protests grew, several roads in central Delhi were blocked and heavily barricaded. Security deployment was increased around Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place, Parliament Street, and adjoining areas.
Police have put multiple checkpoints in place, and movement of vehicles has been restricted on several stretches near the protest zone. Authorities said the measures were being taken to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident.
CJP Rejects Meeting at JP Nadda’s Residence
Amid the standoff, CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka claimed that government representatives were unwilling to come to Jantar Mantar because public anger was extremely high.
According to him, Union Minister Jitender Singh suggested that a meeting could be held at Union Health Minister JP Nadda’s residence or office. However, CJP representatives rejected that proposal.
Ranka said the protesters wanted the meeting to take place either at Jantar Mantar or at a neutral venue. He also said the group did not want “fake promises” and demanded concrete commitments from the government, including a clear timeline for accepting some of their demands.
Connaught Place Shops Shut at 6 PM
The impact of the protests has now spread to Delhi’s commercial hub. Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal said that shops in Connaught Place will remain closed after 6:30 pm on Thursday.
In a post on X, Kejriwal alleged that security had been intensified and questioned whether the government would again use force against protesters at Jantar Mantar.
With internet suspended, metro stations closed, roads barricaded, and commercial activity affected, central Delhi remained under unprecedented security watch on Thursday as the CJP protests entered a more volatile phase.