CJP Protest: Women’s safety had emerged as an important concern during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest over the NEET-UG paper leak issue in Delhi in June. Women students had participated in large numbers, demonstrating remarkable courage. However, their peaceful protest was met with severe reports of violence, harassment, and alleged mistreatment by security personnel.
This time, the deployment of the Delhi Police’s Pink Force, along with the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), suggests that women’s safety has received special attention as the CJP is determined to hold another protest at Jantar Mantar.
Pink Force Deployed
The Delhi Police has deployed its Pink Force amid the CJP protest on Saturday. The move comes amid reports of misbehaviour involving women police personnel during earlier demonstrations. The deployment has caught attention as women are expected to participate in large numbers and also comes after allegations of harassment and rough handling of women during previous demonstrations.
What Happened During Earlier Protests?
During CJP-led protests in June, women protesters had alleged that they faced rough handling and physical mistreatment by security personnel. Complaints of slapping and sexual harassment were also raised. Moreover, some women journalists covering the protests also filed complaints stating that they were harassed during the protest.
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At the same time, police stated that male protesters allegedly assaulted women police personnel and tore their uniforms or badges. All these incidents put the safety concerns faced by women on both sides at the focus. Considering these points, the deployment of the Pink Force at the protest site indicates that the police are paying close attention to women's safety and the risks associated with crowd control. The police personnel are reportedly given bodycams to ensure enhanced security.
What Is Pink Force?
The Pink Force is a dedicated unit of trained women police personnel intended to improve women's safety. Delhi's initiative is modelled on Goa Police's Pink Force, launched in December 2021. According to reports, the force is intended to patrol vulnerable locations, including schools, colleges and metro stations, and provide assistance in areas where women may face harassment or other safety risks.
Earlier, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu had directed the police to develop the force, with personnel deployed at identified hotspots, especially during vulnerable hours.
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