New Delhi: Delhi Police joint commissioner (southern range) Devesh Srivastava repeatedly appealed to protesting Jamia Millia Islamia students and some “miscreants” during the Sunday clashes to maintain calm and not pelt stones at the force, reveal two videos taken by the police for internal circulation and records.
In the two videos, accessed by ThePrint, Srivastava can be heard saying that some “miscreants (galat ladke)” sneaked into the midst of the students and pelted stones at the force, vandalised property and set vehicles afire.
Along with his team, Srivastava can be seen in full riot gear, making the statements on his announcer as stones and tubelights are hurled in the backdrop, with intermittent loud thuds, show the videos.
The videos were shot Sunday evening outside the university in Jamia Nagar in the national capital, according to sources in the police.
On Sunday, the Delhi police cracked down on Jamia students after their protests against contentious amendments to the Citizenship Act. The videos come as protests in support of the Jamia students continue for a second day in campuses across the country.
Also read: Man in riot gear beating Jamia student not ‘RSS volunteer’ but AATS constable: Delhi Police
‘Image of your university’
In the first video, Srivastava can be seen addressing the students: “I am appealing to you that you should not pelt stones. These stones are being hurled at us and we are for your protection.”
He can then be heard saying, “Amongst you have entered some miscreants (galat ladke) who are throwing stones and tubelights. They are breaking cars.
“We want you to come out and speak to us. There are senior officers who are posted for your safety. Do not indulge in anything that may tarnish the image of this university or this locality.”
He also appealed to the “other side” to maintain peace and cooperate with the police.
“These boys are constantly throwing stones at us. We are not taking any action on anyone. We want that you should maintain peace,” he can be heard as saying.
‘Great relations with students’
The Delhi Police officer can also be heard saying that the force has always maintained “great relations” with Jamia students and they should cooperate.
“We have had such great relations with you. We want that people who are from the university including students, group leaders to urge the ones indulging in stone pelting to stop, else we will be compelled to use force,” he can be heard saying.
“These stones and tubes being hurled at from both sides should not come. It is request from our side that you should come out and speak to us and stop people.”
In the video, another police officer can be heard telling Srivastava — while he is making these announcements — that the force should march ahead to control the situation.
“Sir, rukne ka fayda nahi hai. Aur peeche aur force chahiye (Sir, they is no point staying here. We need more force,” the officer can be heard as saying.
Also read: Delhi Police say they used ‘maximum restraint, minimum force’ during Jamia protest
‘Bachchon se appeal’
Addressing the Jamia protestors as “bachchon (students)”, Srivastava again appealed to them to stay calm and not come out of the campus as some miscreants were hurling stones, the second video shows.
“Kids I am standing between gate number 7 and 8. Please do not come out. Don’t hurl stones, tubelights. Please sit inside calmly,” he can be heard as saying.
“Beta main aap logon se guzarish karta hun ki dodno taraf se aap jo pathar chala rahe hai, yeh bilkul theek baat nai hai. Apke proctor, security staff se baat ho rahi hai. (Students, I’m requesting you to not hurl stones at us. This is not right. We are in talks with your security staff and proctor. I am requesting you.)”
Sunday clashes
Delhi Police came under criticism from all corners after the clashes broke out late Sunday.
On Monday, Jamia Millia Islamia Vice-Chancellor Najma Akhtar condemned the police action on students and said they faced “psychological damage”.
The protesting students have called for a CBI inquiry into police “brutality”.
Also read: Home Ministry says no bullet was fired during Jamia protests, cites Delhi Police report