Delhi Police told not to engage with protesters to deny them 'content'
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Delhi Police have been advised not to engage with protesters or respond to their emotional appeals.
- The directive aims to prevent new-generation protesters from using police reactions as content.
- This approach seeks to de-escalate potential confrontations and maintain order.
Delhi Police personnel have received specific guidance on how to handle interactions with a new wave of protesters, emphasizing a non-engaging approach. Officers are instructed to refrain from responding to protesters' questions or emotional appeals, a strategy designed to counter tactics where police reactions themselves become content for online platforms.
The directive, as reported, suggests that the police should not allow their responses to be manipulated into "content" for protesters. This new-generation of demonstrators may employ provocative methods, and the police are being trained to avoid falling into such traps. The aim is to maintain professionalism and prevent situations from escalating due to an inappropriate or reactive engagement.
This approach signals a shift in how law enforcement intends to manage public demonstrations, focusing on de-escalation and preventing the co-option of police actions for propaganda purposes. By refusing to engage, the police hope to deny protesters the desired reactions and maintain a more controlled environment during demonstrations.
Your angry face is their content
Originally published by Hindustan Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.