Protesters have reclaimed the Jantar Mantar protest site in Delhi after police dismantled it, and are camping overnight. The demonstrators, many from outside Delhi, regrouped and began rebuilding the main structure despite the earlier crackdown.
Police Dismantle Protest Site at Jantar Mantar
Delhi Police had dismantled the stage at Jantar Mantar, removed structures including water and food stalls, and pulled down tents at the protest site. According to The Economic Times, the stage was dismantled after a Parliament march, but protesters declared they would stay put.
Protesters Regroup and Rebuild Under Torchlight
Despite the police action, demonstrators returned to Jantar Mantar. Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) spokespersons Abhijeet Dipke and Saurav Dass were seen supervising volunteers as they rebuilt the main structure. The volunteers worked under torchlights from mobile phones after electricity in the area was switched off, as reported by a video report.
Allegations of Police Brutality
Ashutosh Ranka, a CJP spokesperson, made serious allegations against the police. "It was the police who used lathis. Our youths were beaten up, their heads were cracked open, and they were dragged on the streets. Sonam sir's wife, Gitanjali ma'am, had her hair pulled while being dragged out of a truck," Ranka said, according to the original story.
Our Take: A Test of Protest Rights
This situation at Jantar Mantar raises important questions about the right to peaceful protest in India. While authorities have the duty to maintain public order, the dismantling of a protest site and the alleged use of force against demonstrators is concerning. The fact that protesters, including those from outside Delhi, were willing to camp overnight and rebuild their site shows their determination. In our view, the government and police must ensure that the right to peaceful assembly is respected, even when dealing with persistent protesters. Dialogue, not dismantling, is the better path forward.
