Many units, from local police to central forces, can be deployed amid the protests.
These days, workers and officials of the Cockroach Janata Party are agitating at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The police also took strict action against them during the Parliament march last Monday. The sticks were fired. Tear gas was released. After being chased, he fell and was beaten. When the agitators got hurt, the policemen also got hurt. Last night also the agitators clashed with the security forces. Social activist Sonam Wangchuk is on hunger strike in support of this movement. The administration has admitted him to the hospital. Needless to say, a large number of security forces are deployed in this movement that has been going on for almost a month.
Let us understand in the name of Jantar Mantar movement what is the system of deployment of security forces during movements in any corner of the country? How does this whole system operate?
Movements and demonstrations are part of democracy in India. People gather on the streets, grounds, district headquarters or the capital to press their demands. Many demonstrations are peaceful. At some places the crowd becomes very big. Then the administration has to handle law and order. Force doesn’t come from just one place. Many units may be involved, from local police to central forces. It depends on the situation, crowd, location and security risk. Jantar Mantar of Delhi is a good example of this. Often people from different states come here with their demands, hence preparations for security and order are made at many levels.
Local police comes first
The first responsibility in any demonstration is that of the local police. The district police understands the situation. He has knowledge of the roads, sensitive places and local people of the area. This is what the police talk to the protesters. She takes information about the event. Estimated number of crowd watches. Decides the route. Puts up barricades when necessary. The police station reaches the spot first. After this, additional soldiers can be called from the police line. Both male and female policemen can join the district police force. Local intelligence police also work shoulder to shoulder with the district police.
The first responsibility in the demonstration is of the local police. Photo: PTI
Traffic police also have a big role
Demonstrations often impact traffic. The road may be closed. People can reach in large numbers on foot or by vehicles. In such a situation, the role of traffic police increases. This force changes paths. Enforces diversion. Shows people alternative routes. Efforts are made to keep the road open for ambulances, school buses and essential services. There are many important roads around Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Sansad Marg, Connaught Place and other busy areas are close, so traffic arrangements are made here in advance.
Under whose control is the police in Delhi?
The police system of Delhi is somewhat different from other states. Delhi Police works under the Home Ministry of the Central Government. This means that the central level also plays a role in major decisions related to law and order. Delhi Police handles the arrangements for the protest at Jantar Mantar. The concerned district police, special branch, traffic police and other units can work together. If the event is big, or security related inputs are received, additional force can also be deployed. For example, troops of Central Security Forces are deployed on a large scale at Jantar Mantar.
The number of protesters at Jantar Mantar is continuously increasing. (video grab)
When is the State Armed Police deployed?
Every state has armed police units. Their names may be different. In some states they are called PAC, SAP, IRB or State Reserve Police. These soldiers are different from the normal police station. They are trained for large gatherings, riot control, sensitive security duties and emergencies. When there is a major movement in a state, the state armed police can be deployed along with the district police. For example, such deployment can be seen at the time of farmer movement, recruitment examination dispute, industrial movement or political rally.
RAF. Photo: PTI
When do central security forces arrive?
Many times the state’s own forces are not sufficient. Then the help of Central Armed Police Forces can be sought from the Centre. This demand is made by the state government or the concerned administration. Final deployment depends on the situation and orders. Central forces can usually be deployed in large crowds, where there is a possibility of violence, in sensitive areas or in a movement that lasts for a long time. The role of these forces is not to replace the state police. Usually they work in coordination with the local administration. There are many organizations in the Central Security Forces also. Everyone’s roles are fixed.
CRPF soldiers. Photo:PTI
What is the role of CRPF?
The Central Reserve Police Force, or CRPF, is deployed on law and order duties in many parts of the country. This is a big central force responsible for the internal security of the country. CRPF companies can be deployed in case of big rally, tense protest, election security or serious law and order situation. Their soldiers have experience in crowd control and sensitive duties. Some of their battalions are spread across the country. The Union Home Ministry allocates some security forces to the states as reserve forces. They are deployed as per the requirement on the instructions of the state police.
What does Rapid Action Force do?
Rapid Action Force, i.e. RAF, is a special unit of CRPF. It is especially used in riot control and tense crowd situations. RAF soldiers are seen in different uniforms. Their objective is to control the crowd and prevent the spread of violence. They are kept ready for quick action in sensitive situations. RAF is not involved in every demonstration. Its deployment depends on the level of threat. RAF has been deployed at Jantar Mantar.
There are many central forces in the country. Photo:PTI
The role of other central forces is also decided
There are many central forces in the country. Their main responsibilities are different. The Border Security Force, i.e. BSF, mainly guards the borders. Indo-Tibetan Border Police, i.e. ITBP, performs duties related to the Himalayan borders. Sashastra Seema Bal, or SSB, also operates in the border areas. The Central Industrial Security Force, or CISF, protects airports, metros, government establishments and important industrial units. In special circumstances, companies of these forces can be made available for law and order duties, but their basic function is different. Therefore, it is not necessary to use them in every movement.
What is the responsibility of intelligence units?
Intelligence information is also gathered before any big demonstration. Its purpose is not to stop peaceful demonstrations. The aim is to understand the potential risk. The special branch of the police and other security agencies see that there is no possibility of violence, rumours, inflammatory slogans or external disturbances. Misinformation spreading on social media can also be monitored. If danger is indicated, security arrangements are strengthened.
The biggest challenge before the administration
The administration has to balance between two responsibilities. The first responsibility is to respect people’s right to peaceful demonstration. The second responsibility is to maintain the safety of the general public and daily order. If the roads are completely closed, it becomes difficult to reach the hospital or violence starts spreading, then the administration has to intervene, but the action should be balanced and only to the extent necessary.
Also read: Delhi, Jaipur Why were 5 Jantar Mantars built in the country, how did they become the center of astronomical science?
