By IANS,
New Delhi : All five gates of the Jai Prakash Narayan Park in central Delhi were blocked and manned by Delhi Police Sunday, the eve of the Independence Day celebrations and two days ahead of social activist Anna Hazare’s proposed anti-corruption fast there.
“The park is being manned as it lies on the route of the prime minister and delegates during the Independence Day ceremony tomorrow (Monday),” said a police officer.
The entry gates of the park were blocked with ropes and policemen stood guard. “No one will be allowed to enter the park for two days,” said a police official deputed at one of the gates.
Personnel of the bomb disposal squad were seen in the park in the afternoon. “They are here for security reasons,” said the official.
The official said they have orders from seniors that restrictions on entry into the park would remain till “further orders”.
“Things might change on Tuesday morning,” he said.
Hazare plans to fast at the park against the government Lokpal bill from Aug 16. Team Anna Saturday expressed its resolve to go ahead with the protest, and rejected two of the 22 conditions set by police for allowing the agitation.
Police have allowed Team Anna to hold the protest for just three days at the park and also asked them to restrict the crowd to 4,000-5,000. Team Anna has rejected these terms.
Hazare Saturday condemned the restrictions on the protest and said that it was “unacceptable” and “unconstitutional”.