Delhi Police personnel have received advisories to remain calm and avoid confrontations during protests.
The guidelines warn officers against reactions that could be turned into viral social media content.
Personnel have been asked to use restraint, respectful language and assist protesters during emergencies.
Following the backlash over the police handling of the Jantar Mantar protest, Delhi Police personnel have received a set of guidelines on how to tackle the new-generation protesters, The Indian Express reported citing sources.
The advisory focused on particularly those in the 18-28 age group, who may attempt to provoke reactions that can later be turned into viral videos, reels or memes.
“Your angry face is their content… They are not fighting you. They are making a film in which they want you to play the villain. Refuse that role.”
The advisory was prepared by Central agencies and shared with all 15 districts of Delhi Police, along with the Railway and Metro units, after the backlash over the police response during the July 20 Jantar Mantar protest, The Indian Express reported
Don’t Argue, Don’t React
The advisory instructs personnel not to engage in debates with protesters who attempt to trigger emotional responses through personal or provocative questions.
According to the guidance, protesters may ask about issues such as family background or salaries to create sympathy or anger. Personnel have been advised not to argue, show agreement or enter into conversations.
If a response is necessary, officers have been told to use only a brief line:
“Please cooperate, we are doing our duty.”
The advisory also asks personnel to remain composed when protesters hold mobile phones close to their faces and ask questions aimed at provoking a reaction, such as whether they feel proud of their actions or what they would tell their children.
Avoiding Viral Clips And ‘Meme Traps’
According to The Indian Express, the advisory warns personnel that protesters may attempt to record moments that can be edited and circulated online.
“A calm face gives them nothing,” a source told the newspaper, adding that officers were reminded that “no controversial clip means no viral video.”
Personnel have been cautioned against pushing away phones, snatching objects, throwing items, shouting in anger or reacting to mockery, songs, dances, mock salutes or placards directed at them.
The advisory also warns against situations where protesters offer flowers, sweets, water bottles or tea, as an angry refusal or overreaction could become online content.
Officers have been advised to either politely accept such gestures or decline them respectfully.
Women Protesters To Be Handled By Women Personnel
The advisory specifically directs personnel to avoid touching women protesters and ensure that women police personnel handle such interactions.
It also advises officers to maintain calm and use positive actions instead of reacting to attempts at provocation.
Helping Protesters During Emergencies
Along with instructions on restraint, the advisory highlights the importance of assisting people during protests.
Personnel have been told that if a protester faints, falls or is injured, they should step forward, provide assistance, call an ambulance and clear the way.
Other suggested measures include allowing ambulances, schoolchildren and patients to pass through barricades, helping elderly and disabled people cross police lines, and assisting children separated from their parents.
The advisory says such actions should be carried out naturally, while noting that cameras are likely to record them.
“Let them (the protesters’ cameras) see only two things,” says the advisory. “Your calm face and a helping hand.”
Respectful Language Over Force
The advisory also recommends using respectful language while managing crowds.
Personnel have been advised to use phrases such as:
“Uncle, come this way. Aunty, please go to this side. Sir, please cooperate.”
The guidance states that respectful communication can help calm crowds and may be more effective than aggressive crowd-control methods.
It also suggests that gestures such as joining hands while requesting people to move could appear more positive on camera than raising a lathi.
“Respectful language from uniformed personnel can help calm a crowd,” a source told The Indian Express.
Guidelines Issued After July 20 Jantar Mantar Clash
The advisory came after the July 20 protest march towards Parliament, where clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel.
Delhi Police later said protesters had displayed “unruly, aggressive and violent behaviour” in the New Delhi area.
A police spokesperson said more than 118 police personnel, including senior officers and women personnel, were injured, while around 60 protesters were also reported injured.
Authorities have denied allegations of excessive force.
