Facts First
Did police use excessive force on protesters at Jantar Mantar? Govt should constitute an impartial inquiry
Monday’s clash between police and protesters in Delhi shouldn’t have happened. On one side were citizens – some still too young to vote – and on the other, personnel whose job is to keep them safe. That compact shouldn’t be broken. So, what went wrong on Monday? One view is that both sides miscalculated. Protesters crossed some red lines while marching to Parliament – highest of high-security zones. And police vastly underestimated the Cockroach campaign’s pull. They weren’t prepared to control such a large crowd while keeping it and themselves safe. But such an explanation leaves some key questions unanswered.
First, why didn’t police anticipate a large turnout? After all, Sonam Wangchuk’s fast had become a talking point, and social media chatter was pointing to something big. Knowing this, and having handled dozens of major protests before, police should have been far better prepared. Second, police should have known that everything must be done to prevent chaos. Chaos in central Delhi affects lives far and wide in the national capital. Protests and law and order should go hand-in-hand, with intelligent interventions, if required.
Did police make intelligent interventions? That’s the most important question, and it’s for govt to find the answer. Numerous allegations of violence raised by protesters must not be dismissed. Media and social media are awash with videos of police raining lathi blows on unarmed protesters. There’s now a bunch of petitions before Delhi HC on police action. It’s unlikely every allegation was invented. Yes, police have their own story about being attacked with stones first. Citizens watching these competing videos will draw conclusions coloured by their sympathies, without approaching the truth. So, a swift and impartial probe is necessary to establish the truth about allegations of police excess.
Since police have said their actions were not disproportionate, they should welcome an inquiry. And should there be a finding that police response to the protest was excessive, it won’t weaken govt’s position. A quick, credible inquiry that brings out facts is always a confidence-building measure, especially when emotions run high. The Cockroach campaign is still on, and it’s become a bigger emotive issue. So, it’s time for govt to put its ear to the ground, understand why young people are agitated, and reach out to them sympathetically. An impartial inquiry into police action will be the first, and a very important, step in that outreach.
Disclaimer
Views expressed above are the author’s own.
