Delhi Police Mandates Uniforms Amid Protest Criticism
The Delhi Police has issued a directive requiring all personnel assigned to duty at Jantar Mantar to report in full police uniform. This new order comes after significant public scrutiny and reports of officers in civilian clothes allegedly using force against student protesters.
An internal message from Delhi Police Headquarters instructed all units to ensure their personnel are uniformly dressed when deployed to the protest site. This policy change addresses concerns raised after videos circulated on social media, purportedly showing plainclothes officers engaged in lathi-charging during recent demonstrations.
Escalation at Jantar Mantar Protests
The directive follows clashes between police and protesting students across several locations in New Delhi, including Sansad Marg, Rail Bhawan roundabout, Jantar Mantar, and the Connaught Place Outer Circle-Janpath stretch. An internal report from the New Delhi district police acknowledged the use of “mild force” to manage the situation.
Police sources indicated that protesters breached multiple layers of barricades, initially at Tolstoy Marg and then Sansad Marg, as they attempted to advance towards high-security zones near Transport Bhawan. It was reportedly only after these breaches that force was employed.
Student Demands and Broader Context
The student protests are primarily demanding accountability for alleged NEET exam paper leaks, which they claim have led to student deaths, and comprehensive reforms within the education system. Protesters have also called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the demonstrations on June 28, initiating an indefinite hunger strike. He was later hospitalized following a Delhi High Court order, subsequently moved to Medanta Hospital.