Neha Bora Leads Flash Protests in Delhi Amid Police Crackdown
Student activists, led by Neha Bora, staged multiple flash protests across Delhi, facing police resistance and detentions.
Neha Bora and her group covered 1.5 km in 20 minutes while evading police.
Senior Left leaders, including John Brittas, were detained during protests.
Brittas has called for a court-monitored investigation into police actions.
In a show of defiance against police restrictions, Neha Bora, president of the AISA, led a series of flash protests across Delhi on Sunday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protests, which began at R.K. Ashram, saw Bora and approximately 90 supporters sprinting through the city, navigating barricades and evading police forces. They managed to cover a distance of 1.5 kilometers to Connaught Place in about 20 minutes before being intercepted by police.
The protests were sparked by a significant police presence and restrictions in designated areas, particularly Jantar Mantar. Senior leaders from the Left, including CPM's John Brittas, faced detentions during the demonstrations. Brittas was reportedly injured while being taken into custody, highlighting the aggressive tactics employed by law enforcement against protesters. Neha Bora recounted how the police underestimated the crowd, allowing them to push through the initial barricades with relative ease.
The situation escalated as Bora described the chaotic scenes, where police struggled to manage the crowd. She humorously noted her lack of direction, which led her group to run around Connaught Place before being detained. Videos captured during the protests showed police officers forcibly restraining AISA members, raising concerns about the treatment of demonstrators. Bora remarked on her unexpected endurance, stating, "I’m not a professional runner, but chasing Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation has made me one."
The protests also saw the involvement of various student organizations, with reports of detentions among journalists covering the events. At least 12 reporters were detained, raising alarms about press freedom amid the protests. Activists reported attempts by police to confiscate their phones, further escalating tensions during the demonstrations. The Congress party also joined the protests, marking its first involvement in this series of actions against the CEC.
Looking forward, Neha Bora and her group plan to continue their protests, emphasizing the need for accountability from state authorities. John Brittas has taken steps to address the situation, writing to the President and the Chief Justice of India to demand a thorough investigation into the police's conduct during the protests. He highlighted the need for equal protection under the law, questioning the treatment of ordinary citizens in light of the recent events.
