‘No permission sought for AAP’s protest march to PM’s residence’

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 17

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, who planned to hold protest march to the Prime Minister residence, have not sought any permission from the Delhi Police, said a senior police officer.

However, AAP leaders alleged that party supporters were being prevented from taking part in the rally.

The AAP is holding the march to support the sit-in of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues at the Lieutenant Governor's office for the past seven days demanding him to direct IAS officers to end their "strike".

The party leader had also accused the Centre of misusing its powers to stop Delhi government from working.

"The call given by the AAP to march towards the PM office or residence is without permission. No permission has been applied for. The areas under New Delhi district are under prohibitory orders," a senior Delhi Police officer said.

Four Metro stations — Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk, Udyog Bhawan and Lok Kalyan Marg (Race Course) — were closed to prevent AAP supporters to reach Mandi House, venue of the march scheduled at 4 PM.

The officer said preparations are made to prevent assembly of the protesters at Mandi House.

"Those trying to take out the march will be detained since no permission has been sought for it," he said.

A senior Delhi Metro official said entry and exit at the four stations falling in Lutyens' Delhi zone was closed from 2 pm onwards as per the advice of the Delhi Police.

No entry and exit will was allowed at the Lok Kalyan Marg Metro Station, closest to the PM's residence, from noon onwards, till further orders, the official said.

However, the interchange facilities was normal at Central Secretariat, he said.

Reacting on the development, the AAP leadership alleged that the Delhi Police was trying to stop people from joining the march.