Delhi Police told to stay silent when protests turn performative

Delhi Police personnel deployed at protests have been told to treat every interaction as if it is being filmed — and not give demonstrators the reaction they may be seeking.

Fresh directions from a central agency advise officers to avoid unnecessary conversations, questions, taunts and emotional appeals during crowd-management duties. If an exchange cannot be avoided, personnel should ask protesters to cooperate and otherwise remain silent.

The guidance specifically warns against reacting to mock salutes, songs, dances, placards and other conduct intended to draw a response. Officers have also been told not to push away phones, snatch or throw objects, shout in anger or enter physical confrontations unless required in the course of duty.

The directions follow allegations of police excesses during last month’s Cockroach Janta Party protest at Jantar Mantar, where videos of verbal altercations between personnel and protesters circulated online. Personnel have also been asked not to accept flowers, food or other items from women protesters.

The advisory applies particular emphasis to personnel in district, railway and metro units. It says maintaining order must include helping protesters who fall ill or are injured, while ensuring clear passage for ambulances, schoolchildren and elderly people.