Armed with posters, goggles and raincoats, protest veterans guide first-timers
With digital posters, political artwork, and advice on how to protect themselves, many protesters who took part in the July demonstration returned to support those joining the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) latest stir in Delhi on Saturday, hoping to join a protest that unfolded amid heavy security and mass detentions. Some made posters at home, while others created digital artwork focusing on illegal imprisonment and the absence of name tags on police personnel, while also preparing for scenarios such as a lathi charge.
Those who had experienced the earlier demonstration advised newcomers to carry at least two masks, swimming goggles, raincoats, and clothes they would be comfortable getting wet in, anticipating possible police action in response to their posters.
“We had participated in the July protest, so this time we wanted people joining the demonstration to be better prepared. Many of us have also been making political artwork and posters at home for people to carry during the protest,” a protester said.
Hardik, who participated in the earlier demonstrations, said he had created digital political artwork ahead of Saturday’s protest, focusing on issues such as alleged illegal detentions and police personnel not wearing name tags. He had also prepared for possible scenarios, including a lathi charge.
“As we fight for the freedom we once celebrated in cinema, we remember the tears our nation shed as our forefathers fought an exploitative regime. Today, we carry the torch of non-violence through the dark alleys of fascism once again,” he said.
“Most of my friends are women, and given how unsafe it feels today, I will be fighting for them as well. I am sure this protest will continue for a while. I made posters advising people to carry at least two masks, swimming goggles, raincoats and clothes they would be comfortable getting wet in, keeping in mind the possibility of police action,” he added.
Hardik had also participated in the protest demanding the resignation of former Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the July 20 march to Parliament. But Saturday’s planned gathering at Jantar Mantar did not take shape on a large scale. Delhi Police denied permission for the demonstration, citing inadequate notice and concerns over compliance with rules during an earlier protest.
For protesters returning after July, even finding one another proved difficult, with updates largely circulating through social media.
Although Jantar Mantar remained largely inaccessible to demonstrators, the posters, artwork and advice brought by returning participants offered a glimpse of how the earlier protest had shaped preparations for the next, with those who had been there before trying to ensure that newcomers did not have to face the uncertainty alone.
