New Delhi: Delhi Police has clarified its stand regarding the temporary restrictions implemented around Jantar Mantar and New Delhi ahead of the proposed political demonstration on October 10 in the capital Delhi. Police say that peaceful protest is an important right of democracy, but it is equally important to maintain law and order in the national capital, ensure the safety of common citizens and keep the traffic and business activities smooth. For this purpose, security related precautionary measures are being taken.
Additional CP PRO Rajiv Ranjan said that while referring to the protest held at Jantar Mantar in July, it has been said that despite getting permission for one day’s protest, the protest allegedly continued for about a month. According to the police, more than 200 policemen were injured during this period and the involvement of more than two thousand people with criminal background was reported. As the situation worsened, clashes broke out, in which innocent students were also injured. Police say that this time it is necessary to make adequate security arrangements in advance to prevent recurrence of such situations which have come to light earlier.
Concern over alleged misbehavior with female policemen
In the press release, the incidents of alleged molestation and assault of women constables of Delhi Police by some people who participated in the protest at Jantar Mantar last week have also been described as a matter of grave concern. According to the police, the safety of the soldiers on duty, peaceful protesters and common people passing by is of paramount importance. Under no circumstances can violence and chaos be allowed to re-emerge.
Capacity of about one thousand people at a time at Jantar Mantar
Citing the limited capacity of the proposed protest site, Delhi Police said that Jantar Mantar is a relatively small area, where safe arrangements can be made only for about one thousand people at a time. While deciding the number of crowd at any place, it is important to keep in mind aspects like available space, access to emergency services, crowd control and safety of people.
According to the police, apart from being the capital of the country, Delhi is also a major economic centre. In such a situation, it is the responsibility of the administration to maintain a balance between the right to protest and the normal life of the city. Protecting the capital’s residents, employees, traders, travelers and others from unnecessary trouble is also an important part of the security system.
Taking permission is not against democratic rights: Police
Delhi Police clarified that taking prior permission for any demonstration is not against democratic rights, but it is a necessary administrative process. This gives officials information about the location, duration and expected crowd of the demonstration. Based on this, appropriate arrangements can be made for traffic management, emergency services, crowd control and safe movement of common people.
Police claim that in the present case the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) is moving towards holding the proposed meeting without obtaining the necessary permission. The release also said that the Supreme Court has stressed the importance of compliance with applicable legal provisions related to public demonstrations. The police have appealed to the organizers to make the participants aware about the applicable legal situation and the action that can be taken under the law if they attend the gathering without permission.
Temporary restrictions, emphasis on security arrangements
According to Delhi Police, the current restrictions are temporary and precautionary in nature. Their objective is to control the crowd, prevent excessive gathering, maintain law and order and ensure the safety of common citizens, shopkeepers and passengers including protesters.
Delhi Police Public Relations Officer and Additional Police Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan said that people should get an opportunity to express their views peacefully. The responsibility of the police is to create such conditions in which people can express their views safely and the normal functioning of the city is not affected. He clarified that security related precautionary measures are being taken for this very purpose.
