1 week ago

Delhi Police Urges Calm Conduct After Jantar Mantar Clashes

Delhi Police Urges Calm Conduct After Jantar Mantar Clashes
Refuse The Villain Role: Delhi Police Guidelines For Cops During Protests · deccanchronicle.com

Delhi Police gave officers instructions for handling protests after a tense event at Jantar Mantar.

The instructions say officers should stay calm when protesters ask difficult questions or try to upset them.

Police were told that angry faces and arguments might be recorded and shared online.

They should usually stay silent or say, “Please cooperate, we are doing our duty.”

Officers were told not to push away phones, shout, or react angrily to songs, jokes and signs.

Women protesters should generally be handled by women officers.

Police should also help injured people, children separated from parents, elderly people and those needing to pass through the crowd.

The advice says respectful words and helpful actions can reduce tension.

Police and reports about the protest gave different accounts of the force used and the injuries.

Key facts

Advisory distribution
The guidance was shared with all 15 Delhi Police districts, as well as Railway and Metro units.
Protester group highlighted
The advisory particularly focused on protesters aged 18 to 28.
Recommended response
Officers were told to use “Please cooperate, we are doing our duty” when necessary, then maintain silence.
Women protesters
Personnel were advised to avoid touching women protesters and have women officers handle them.
Positive actions
Officers were told to assist injured people, call ambulances, clear paths and help separated children, elderly people and disabled people.
Reported injuries
Delhi Police said more than 118 personnel were injured; around 60 protesters were also reported injured.
Pellet-gun report
A Central Reserve Police Force inquiry reportedly found that one Rapid Action Force personnel fired seven shots, five of which hit protesters.

Quotes

Delhi Police guidelines

Instructions reportedly issued by the Delhi Police to personnel handling protesters

“Your angry face is their content… They are not fighting you. They are making a film in which they want you to play the villain. Refuse that role.”
indianexpress.com deccanchronicle.com
“Let them (the protesters’ cameras) see only two things. Your calm face and a helping hand.”
indianexpress.com

Sources

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