NEW DELHI: Delhi will see restrictions on retail liquor sales and cancellations of several Mail and Express trains on October 10 amid planned protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Left groups and student outfits of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.The protests are also aimed at seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Police have stepped up security and outreach efforts across the city, urging residents, students and young people to avoid activities that could disrupt public order.Here is a look at what will remain open and what will be closed in Delhi on October 10.
What will be closed
1. All retail liquor stores
All retail liquor outlets across Delhi will remain closed on October 9 and 10 following an order issued by the excise department on October 8.The closure applies to retail liquor vends operating under specified licence categories, including outlets selling Indian liquor, foreign liquor and country liquor, as well as certain outlets in malls.The excise department said the decision was taken as a preventive measure to maintain public order in view of the prevailing situation and inputs received from Delhi Police.However, liquor sales at licensed restaurants, bars and clubs will continue as usual, an official clarified.
2. Several Mail and Express trains
Indian Railways has ordered the cancellation of Mail and Express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4am and 2pm on October 10.According to a railway order issued on October 9, trains departing from their originating stations after 2pm on October 9 and scheduled to reach either of the two stations during the specified period on October 10 will be cancelled at source.The decision was taken due to the possibility of severe road traffic congestion around the two railway stations. Railway officials have not confirmed whether the cancellations are directly linked to the planned protests.Passengers travelling to or from New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations are advised to check their train status before leaving for the station.
What will remain open
1. Licensed restaurants, bars and clubs
While retail liquor shops will remain shut, licensed restaurants, bars and clubs in Delhi will continue to serve liquor as usual, according to an excise department official.
2. Other regular services
No blanket closure of other regular public services or commercial establishments has been announced in the information available. Residents should check for specific advisories before travelling or making plans.
Police step up security ahead of protests
Delhi Police have intensified outreach efforts among residents, students and young people ahead of the October 10 demonstrations.Police teams have contacted market welfare associations, resident welfare associations and Aman committees in several areas, asking them to counsel people against participating in activities that could disturb public order.Sources said police were also checking hotels for last-minute bookings and monitoring railway stations and other transit points. Officers were approaching groups gathered at these locations to inquire about their plans.The protests have been called over alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise, with demonstrators also demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.