CP allows OROP protest after allegation of assault by cops

High drama unfolded at Jantar Mantar on Friday where some ex-servicemen were holding peaceful protest demanding implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP). All hell broke loose when police allegedly used force to evict ex-servicemen from the protesting spot ahead of the Independence Day celebrations on the ground of security. As ex-servicemen cried foul, terming police action “barbaric” and “undemocratic”, Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi decided to allow them to continue their protest at Jantar Matar. 

But the damage was done as the crackdown left the ex-servicemen, who have been on protest for nearly two-months, deeply upset. They wondered how can they be “security threat” when they dedicated their lives protecting the country while in service. An army veteran said, “How can you doubt our integrityIJ Or consider us a security threatIJ We served the country in protecting it and now we have become security threat.”It will be a “black Independence Day as they (police) have tried to curb our independence, said group captain V K Gandhi (retired), adding, “The way police have acted against us just a day before Independence Day it is totally unjustified.”

Missing no chance, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai reached the venue and criticised the action of the Delhi Police. Rai demanded strict action against those who forcefully tried to evict the ex-servicemen.While addressing the media after the incident, Bassi said, “Despite the fact that all the groups (of protestors) have been removed and won’t be there tomorrow (Saturday). Veteran leaders spoke to me and I allowed them. We always remove encroachment on August 15. We request whoever is sitting on ‘dharna’ to move out. Total 25 groups were sitting. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) had come to remove certain encroachments from the area.”

Also, he said no structure would be erected at Jantar mantar. “Our objective is to maintain law and order. But we would not inconvenience any law abiding and peaceful protestor,” he said further.Earlier as police and NDMC started clearing the protest hotspot, the ex-servicemen refused to go away. “I was pushed by the cops who even tore my shirt,” said 82-year-old Vishambhar raising anti-police slogans.