Delhi Police have pleaded with journalists covering protests in the national capital to maintain a safe distance from cops and avoid impeding their operations, as security arrangements have moved up a gear ahead of a stir planned for Saturday by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Posting on ‘X,’ police shared a striking message: “Journalism has its role; journalism is not to be rolled.”
Attached to the post was a video statement by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Manjeet Sheoran, in which he was seen saying that several people cover protests as journalists one day, participate in protests the next day and face detention subsequently.
Delhi Police
He added that police had repeatedly appealed to the journalists to cover demonstrations from a distance, alleging that some reporters obstructed cops while they were discharging their duties.
Guidelines issued for journalists last week
Earlier this week, Delhi Police had issued an advisory for journalists reporting on protests, rolling out new guidelines for responsible and safe coverage. The force’s ‘X’ post read, “The story matters, So does how you get it!,” accompanying the message with guidelines for media representatives.
In the advisory, the city’s police force pleaded with journalists to carry valid ID cards, refrain from impeding police operations or the movement of officials, and maintain a responsible and safe distance while recording and covering events.
Police appeal for exercising restraint
In a separate post uploaded on Friday, the Delhi Police called on the personnel attached to it to exercise restraint while managing crowds, underlining that the force’s strength lay in maintaining order with minimum force, dignity, discipline.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Central Range) Verma said in the ‘X’ post, “Prepare for the storm. Practise restraint. Protect the peace. Because the true strength of the police is not merely in controlling a crowd, but in doing so with discipline, dignity and minimum force.”
The message underscored the force’s stated emphasis on measured crowd management amid heightened security preparations in the national capital.
Delhi Police share open letter with citizens
On Friday, Delhi Police also shared an open letter to citizens, as a reminder to the general public that cops have families and loved ones, too. In the post, a placard had been displayed, which bore the handwritten message: “Aapki awaaz aapka haq hai, aur aapki suraksha hamara farz” (Your voice is your right, and your safety is our duty). “Uniform ke peeche bhi ek insaan hai, jiska apna parivar hai, apne log hain,” read the message, highlighting the human side of the cops.
The postcard concluded with the message, “Faraq sirf uniform ka hai, insaaniyat ka nahi” (The only difference is the uniform, not humanity).”