Delhi: Several protesters detained at Jantar Mantar; demonstrator says 'Constitution is being decimated'
Delhi Police detained several demonstrators at Jantar Mantar as protesters claim the Constitution is being decimated amid heavy security.
Tensions flared at Jantar Mantar on Saturday as Delhi Police detained several demonstrators during a high-security protest. The capital witnessed extensive barricading and a massive deployment of security forces to prevent unrest, even as activists gathered to voice their dissent.
Chaos and Detentions at Jantar Mantar
The atmosphere at the protest site was heavy with tension. Security personnel moved swiftly to intercept demonstrators, leading to several individuals being taken into custody. The police have implemented large-scale measures across the city, including cordoning off entry points to the national capital and closing 46 Metro stations to control the movement of crowds.
Authorities have tightened security significantly, seemingly aiming to prevent any large-scale incidents similar to previous demonstrations. Despite the heavy presence of law enforcement, activists, including members of the CJP, have remained firm in their protest against the Election Commission.
'The Constitution is Being Decimated'
Amidst the crackdown, the voices of the protesters remained defiant. One woman activist, holding a placard, spoke passionately about the significance of the location. She argued that Jantar Mantar is the true heartbeat of the nation, where the real spirit of India is visible through the passion of its citizens.
"If coming here gives someone courage, then why shouldn't it?" she questioned. "If you truly want to see India, you will have to come to Jantar Mantar. Because here you see that gathering, that spirit, and that passion, which perhaps you might never sense if you are just sitting at home."
The protester also shared a deeply personal motivation for her presence. She revealed that her 60-year-old mother had urged her to join the agitation, stating that the current state of the country was not the India they had envisioned. Regarding the legal framework of the country, she issued a stern warning:
"The Constitution is a contract, and we signed it from both sides. Now, when that very contract is being decimated, then whoever faces the most hardship will ultimately have to come out onto the streets."
Confusion and Claims of Wrongful Detention
As the police moved to clear the area, scenes of confusion emerged. One student, who had been detained, expressed shock at being caught up in the police action. Claiming to have been part of a group that stayed overnight, the student insisted they were not a primary participant in the protest.
"They have locked me up in jail as if I am a prisoner of Tihar," the student cried out to friends. "I am not—guys, I am not part of the protest! If I were in the protest, I would be outside, wouldn't I?"
The heavy-handed security measures, including the widespread Metro closures and road barricades, continue to impact the daily life of Delhi residents as the standoff between demonstrators and the authorities persists.