'Jantar Mantar reclaimed': CJP activists claim victory despite detention
CJP activists claim victory after attempting to enter Jantar Mantar following its denotification as a protest site. Read the full story here.
Activists from the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) have declared a symbolic victory after attempting to breach the Jantar Mantar site in New Delhi, even as they were taken into custody by the Delhi Police. The group's move was a direct challenge to the recent government decision to denotify the historic location as a designated venue for public protests.
A Breach and a Detention
The confrontation unfolded in the early hours of the morning when a group of protesters gathered at the site. According to reports, security personnel arrived shortly after the demonstration began, leading to the removal and detention of several key individuals. Among those taken into custody by the Delhi Police were Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das, and Ajinkya Shinde.
Despite the police intervention, the activists used social media to frame their actions as a successful infiltration of the "fortress." Ashutosh Ranka posted a message demanding "Hands Off Jantar Mantar," while Abhijeet Dipke shared images of Ranka waving the Tricolour at the site, describing the group's entry as a breach of the cordon.
Demands for CEC Resignation
The protest was not merely about the location itself but also carried a political message. The activists reiterated their demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Saurav Das, in a post on X, addressed the younger generation, stating, "Jantar Mantar has been reclaimed. We have entered Jantar Mantar and now we are being detained. But this is a message to all of us young gen! We can do it!"
The Denotification Controversy
The tension stems from an official notice issued on Monday, which stripped Jantar Mantar of its status as a designated protest venue in Delhi. The decision follows recommendations from a committee constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to find alternative locations for citizens to exercise their right to demonstrate.
Under the new guidelines, the Delhi Police have designated three alternative locations for protests:
- Ramlila Ground
- Burari Ground
- CBD Ground in East Delhi
Political Backlash and Criticism
The move has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders, who argue that it stifles the right to dissent. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the government of acting out of panic, suggesting that the removal of Jantar Mantar is an attempt to weaken the democratic fabric of the country.
"It is a definite sign of the extreme panic that has gripped the PM-HM duo that the historic Jantar Mantar will no longer be a place where our democracy is given a daily booster dose," Ramesh stated, alleging that the leadership is more concerned with power than with democratic principles.
Echoing this sentiment, CJP's Abhijeet Dipke argued that Jantar Mantar represents a "spirit of resistance" that cannot be erased by administrative orders. He claimed that the denotification is a step toward suppressing the very idea of public protest in India.