In the wake of the recent agitation at Jantar Mantar and criticism over the handling of protesters, Delhi Police personnel have been issued a detailed advisory on how to deal with a new generation of demonstrators who may use mobile phones, viral videos and social media tactics to provoke reactions.
The advisory, framed by Central agencies, has been circulated across all 15 districts of Delhi Police as well as its Railway and Metro units. According to sources, the guidelines focus on maintaining calm and restraint, particularly when dealing with protesters who may deliberately attempt to trigger an angry reaction on camera.
One of the key messages to personnel is to remember that they are likely to remain on camera during protests. The advisory reportedly tells officers that an angry expression or confrontation could quickly become viral content on social media.
Police personnel have been advised not to argue with protesters or respond to personal and emotional questions. Protesters may ask officers whether they feel proud of their actions, how they sleep at night or what they would tell their children. In such situations, personnel have been asked to remain calm, look straight ahead and, if necessary, simply say, "Please cooperate, we are doing our duty."
The advisory also warns personnel against pushing away mobile phones, snatching objects, throwing things, shouting in anger or reacting to mockery, songs, dances, placards and mock salutes directed at them. Protesters may also use trending songs, police personnel's names in slogans and point-of-view videos to create social media content.
Police have reportedly been told to treat such attempts as "background noise" and focus on controlling their own facial expressions and body language. The guidelines also caution that protesters could offer flowers, sweets, water or tea in an attempt to provoke a reaction. Personnel have been advised to either politely accept or decline such gestures.
A specific instruction concerns women protesters. Police personnel have been advised to avoid touching women protesters wherever possible, with women police personnel asked to handle such situations. Officers have also been told to be prepared to offer assistance when required.
The advisory further emphasises positive actions during protests. If a protester faints, falls or suffers an injury, police personnel have been asked to step forward, assist the person, call an ambulance and clear the way. Such actions, the advisory says, should be carried out naturally rather than for the cameras.
The guidelines come after the Jantar Mantar protests, where demonstrators confronted police personnel during an attempt to march towards Parliament on July 20. The confrontation led to clashes, with security forces using lathis and tear gas to disperse the crowds. Authorities have denied allegations of excessive force.
With social media increasingly shaping the way protests are recorded and shared online, the Delhi Police advisory places particular emphasis on restraint, professionalism and avoiding reactions that could be edited into viral clips.
