Volunteers Form Human Chains to Maintain Peace at Delhi Protest After Police Clashes
Three days after Delhi Police used baton charges and tear gas on protesters during the 'Sansad Chalo' march by the Cockroach Janta Party, volunteers at Jantar Mantar are taking precautions to ensure the demonstration remains peaceful. On Thursday, a nearly one-kilometre-long human chain shielded and guided protesters to entry and exit points, with volunteers carefully scanning the crowd for any disruptive individuals. They also sought to prevent security personnel in plainclothes and without name badges from entering the protest site disguised as common citizens.
“We have formed human chains to keep the protest peaceful and maintain discipline. We are also making sure women, children, and older people stay safe, and no one is passing any derogatory remarks,” said Hari Iqbal, a volunteer from Bihar who has been at the demonstration since it began on June 20.
As the day progressed, the crowd swelled with a steady stream of students arriving for the first time. “I was a little apprehensive of the policemen,” said Anu, a Delhi University student. “A friend of mine got thrashed by police on Monday, and many of them were not wearing name tags or badges, and some were even in plainclothes. I was afraid I might face the same, but the volunteers are actually protecting women and girls and encouraging them to move forward, away from the crowd,” she added.
Once inside the protest site, the atmosphere was less tense. Volunteers from an Anand Vihar gurdwara distributed langar (free community meal) in one corner. Nearby, a non-profit medical charity provided free aid to those in need. In another corner, volunteers were seen clearing garbage from the area.
“This is the beauty and success of this protest,” said Geegraj, a volunteer from Rajasthan who came to support the student movement following the death of a NEET aspirant in the state. “The movement has sustained due to the discipline of those who have been part of it. Anyone who supports the protest also acknowledges its peaceful nature. It has to be non-violent. There is anger and rage among the crowd for sure, but it needs proper guidance, and that is what we are here for,” he said.
