Fresh guidelines tell Delhi Police to stay calm during protests

Fresh guidelines issued to Delhi Police by a central agency advise personnel to remain calm during protests and avoid reacting to provocation. The guidelines come after allegations of police excesses during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar last month. 'Your anger is their satisfaction and content for them to portray you as villains,' the guidelines state.

A senior police officer said the directions aim to ensure professionalism and restraint in crowd management. Personnel are told to assume their actions are being recorded on mobile phones and may circulate online. They have been advised to avoid unnecessary conversations, not respond to taunts or emotional appeals, and not accept flowers, food or other items from women protesters.

The guidelines also say maintaining law and order should not come at the cost of public safety. Personnel have been directed to assist protesters who fall ill or sustain injuries and ensure unobstructed movement for ambulances, schoolchildren and elderly people.