'Your angry face is their content': Delhi Police told how not to respond to new-gen protesters

E-PaperSubscribeSubscribeEnjoy unlimited accessSubscribe Now! Get features like The Delhi Police has remained at the centre of controversies as the national capital continues to see massive protests. Several actions and reactions of the police personnel have been caught on camera and gone viral in this age of social media and memes. To counter this, the police department has issued guidelines on how personnel must conduct themselves in public. Delhi Police carry out a lathi-charge to disperse supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) after they gather in large numbers and breach security barricades near Parliament House on DR Rajendra Prasad Road in New Delhi, India, on Monday, July 20, 2026. (Hindustan Times)The Delhi Police personnel have been asked not to engage with the protesters or respond to their questions or emotional appeals, the Indian Express reported. "Your angry face is their content. They are not fighting you. They are making a film in which they want you to play the villain. Refuse that role," the police have been told. ALSO READ: Delhi Police file FIR on pellet gun matter after Rahul Gandhi’s dharna over student’s complaint The new directives warned the Delhi Police personnel against falling for their tactics to evoke sympathy, anger or even a simple reaction. "Protesters may cry loudly, fall at the feet of personnel, or ask questions intended to create sympathy or anger, such as references to family background or salary issues," it said. The police personnel have been advised not to hold any conversation or "show agreement". They have been asked to respond when necessary by saying, "Please cooperate, we are doing our duty". Otherwise, the personnel must "maintain silence". ALSO READ: Delhi Police chief calls for focusing on quality investigations The guidelines follow the NEET-UG paper leak protests held at Jantar Mantar, where GenZ protesters could be seen filming the police officers, sometimes provoking anger, other times just making them smile at their tomfoolery. Several content creators recorded the police reactions, which went viral on social media. The police have been asked to always keep in mind that they are on camera and maintain their calm. “A calm face gives them nothing, and police personnel are trained to have been asked not to say anything in such situations. They have been clearly told that no controversial clip means no viral video,” the report cited a source as saying. Some of the actions personnel have been warned against include pushing away a phone, snatching items, throwing objects, shouting in anger, or reacting to humour, mockery, songs, dances, mock salutes, or placards aimed at them. Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More