The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) issued a set of guidelines ahead of its planned massive protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday (October 10) against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
The CJP urged protesters to “maintain peace at all time” and avoid engaging in violence, carrying weapons or dangerous objects. It also advised them to “know your emergency contacts. Stay with your group.”
The organisation strictly said, “No individual can be allowed to hijack a peaceful protest.”
The organisation said, “Our protest, our responsibility. Stay peaceful. Stay alert. Stay united.” Here’s what the CJP’s 12-point guidelines stated:
1. Maintain peace at all times. Do not engage in violence, physical confrontations, threats or intimidation, irrespective of provocation.
2. Do not damage public or private property. Vandalism, stone-pelting, arson and destruction of barricades can endanger lives and undermine the purpose of the protest.
3. Do not obstruct emergency services. Keep access clear for ambulances, fire engines and other emergency vehicles. Do not block hospital entrances or emergency routes.
4. Do not carry weapons or dangerous objects. Avoid carrying sticks, stones, inflammable substances or anything that could be used to injure someone.
5. Do not threaten or abuse anyone. Avoid communal slurs, hate speech, threats and personal attacks against officials, police personnel, journalists or members of the public.
6. Do not force your way through barricades. Follow lawful directions, respect designated boundaries and do not attempt to enter restricted areas.
7. Beware of provocation and infiltration. Do not judge people by their political affiliation or appearance. If anyone encourages violence, vandalism or unlawful activity, do not participate. Inform a designated CJP coordinator and, where safe, the police.
8. Verify before sharing. Do not circulate unverified claims, misleading videos, rumours or messages designed to incite panic or hostility.
9. Record incidents responsibly. If safe and lawful, document relevant incidents without interfering with police duties, obstructing others or putting yourself at risk. Do not publish unverified allegations against individuals.
10. Protect fellow protesters. If tensions rise, move away from the confrontation, alert a coordinator and help vulnerable people reach safety. Never put yourself in danger to confront a suspected provocateur.
11. Know your emergency contacts. Stay with your group, agree on a meeting point and carry essential identification, necessary medicines and a charged phone.
12. Follow lawful instructions and know your rights. Remain calm during police interactions. Do not resist physically. If detained, ask for the reason and seek legal assistance.
“Remember: No individual can be allowed to hijack a peaceful protest. Our conduct must reflect our cause. Peaceful protest. Constitutional rights. Responsible citizenship,” the CJP’s guidelines read.
The CJP, which led the Jantar Mantar protest against Education Minister Pradhan in June-July, will hold a massive demonstration in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on October 10. Several political parties, including the AAP and Left parties, are likely to join the protest.
