New Delhi’s High-Level Meeting Triggers Strict Security Measures
New Delhi, the heart of India’s capital, was enveloped in a strictly controlled environment as the city hosted a high-level meeting. With several world leaders in attendance, security measures reached unprecedented levels, turning the usually bustling streets into a desert on Saturday morning.
In an effort to maintain utmost security, public transportation such as buses, taxis, and autorickshaws were prohibited, leaving only a handful of private vehicles on the roads. The empty streets were solely manned by security personnel, who diligently enforced strict regulations.
As our reporter ventured through the city from the early hours, they encountered frequent requests by security personnel to produce identification documents every few furlongs. The security-woman acknowledged the inconvenience, stating, I’m sorry for the trouble, but the rules are strict, and no one is allowed to move around freely.
Policemen and women conducted routine checks, prompting individuals to retrieve various identification cards justifying their presence on the streets. Even commonly accepted IDs like Aadhaar cards were deemed insufficient, with the security personnel demanding special identification. Notably, many of them did not accept the G20 IDs stored on mobile applications.
Even individuals staying in hotels faced difficulties as taxis were barred from operating. Some foreign visitors were seen lugging their baggage near Connaught Place, hoping to reach the airport on time. However, their efforts were in vain, as private cars were also prohibited from entering the designated areas.
While the Delhi Metro services remained operational, the Pragati Maidan station was temporarily closed. Those without official means of transportation had to disembark at alternative stations and trek several kilometers to reach their destinations, all while being subjected to continuous scrutiny by numerous security officials.
Despite claims by government officials that there was no official lockdown, residents expressed a sentiment of being trapped during these three days, particularly in the heart of the national capital.
In conclusion, New Delhi’s high-level meeting prompted stringent security measures, effectively transforming the city into a ghost town. The absence of public transportation, restricted access to private vehicles, and extensive document checks by security personnel created an environment that discouraged individuals from venturing out. The impact was felt by both locals and foreign visitors, who encountered significant challenges in navigating the city during this period.
