Facts First

Did the police use too much force against protesters at Jantar Mantar? The government should order a fair investigation

The clash between police and protesters in Delhi on Monday should never have happened. On one side were ordinary people, including some who are still too young to vote. On the other side were police officers, whose job is to protect them. When these two groups end up fighting, something has gone wrong.

So, what happened?

Some people believe both sides made mistakes. The protesters marched towards Parliament, which is one of the most heavily guarded places in the country. At the same time, the police did not expect so many people to join the Cockroach campaign. They were not ready to control such a large crowd while keeping everyone safe.

But this does not answer some important questions.

First, why didn’t the police expect a huge crowd? Sonam Wangchuk’s fast had become a major topic of discussion, and many people on social media were saying that a big protest was coming. The police have handled many large protests before, so they should have been better prepared.

Second, the police knew that disorder in central Delhi could affect thousands of people. Everyone remembers how tractors entered the city during the Republic Day violence in 2021. That does not mean the police should have stopped this protest. In a democracy, people have the right to protest, and the police have the duty to keep peace. Both are possible if the situation is handled wisely.

The biggest question is whether the police acted wisely.

Many protesters say the police used too much force. Videos on social media appear to show police hitting unarmed protesters with lathis. Several petitions have also been filed in the Delhi High Court about the police action. At the same time, the police say they were attacked with stones first. With so many different claims, it is difficult for ordinary people to know what really happened.

That is why the government should order a quick and fair investigation. An independent inquiry can examine the evidence and find out the truth.

People around the world are watching this case. If the investigation finds that the police used more force than necessary, admitting that will not make the government look weak. In fact, it will show that the government is willing to face the truth and correct its mistakes.

A fair inquiry can also help decide whether any police officers should face disciplinary action. Most importantly, it can rebuild trust between the government and the public.

The Cockroach campaign is still continuing, and many young people feel strongly about it. The government should try to understand why they are upset and speak to them with empathy. A fair investigation into the police action would be the first, and one of the most important, steps in doing that.

END OF ARTICLE