Delhi CAA Protest: Many detained, thousands head to Jantar Mantar

NEW DELHI: Dozens were detained. Students and leaders of political parties were picked up. Internet on mobile phones was blocked, confirmed Medianama. Over 18 metro stations were shut by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. It was punishingly cold. But Delhi’s students and citizens still found a way to protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, passed by the Narendra Modi government last week.

Since 10 am, Police started driving protesters away from Red Fort and Mandi House – the two venues where two sets of protesters were to gather – and also from Shahidi Park at ITO where they were to meet. Gathering of protesters was prohibited by the Delhi Police, citing Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Former student leaders Umar Khalid and Sucheta De were detained early. Politician Yogendra Yadav was detained as well. In Bangalore, writer and scholar Ramachandra Guha was detained.

Delhi Police’s action and the government’s interference in the transport and communication networks, compelled protesters to react and redraw plans fast. Ultimately, the protest took place at Jantar Mantar where thousands joined.

Here are some of the scenes from the December 19 protest:

Protesters, including former JNU student leader Umar Khalid, being detained from Red Fort. The placard says: "Save the Constitution, save the country" At Jantar Mantar

'Meanwhile, during recession'

Protesters sang the National Anthem at Jantar Mantar

'This protest is not about Hindu-Muslim, it's about the Constitution. This law at this point is meant to divert attention from the economy': Falak Anjum, Delhi University

Placard: "Now why have we started shedding tears while buying onions?"

A cheeky reference to the Game of Thrones series

A referring to PM Modi's claim that he was once a tea-seller

Some protesters organised food

Delhi Police's water cannon waits but the protest has been peaceful from the start

Text on placard roughly translates as: "When you haven't read the Constitution, why would you read this poster?"

All photos by Radhika

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