Volunteers scan crowd for unwanted elements, police in plainclothes

Three days after Delhi Police mounted baton charges and fired tear gas on protesters during the Cockroach Janta Party’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march, volunteers at Jantar Mantar are not taking any chances. On Thursday, almost a km-long human chain shielded and guided the protesters up to the entry and exit points, with volunteers carefully scanning the crowd for unwanted elements. They also ensured that security personnel in plainclothes and without name badges do not enter the protest site disguised as commoners.

“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 joined the demonstration from the first day on June 20.

As the day progressed, the crowd at the protest site swelled with a steady stream of students walking in 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, 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.

But once inside, the atmosphere was not so tense as volunteers from an Anand Vihar gurdwara distributed langar in one corner. A little distance away, a non-profit medical charity provided free aid to those in need.

In another corner, volunteers were seen clearing the garbage on the site. “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 the peaceful nature of it. 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.