I went to cover CJP protest. I left wondering why it felt like a festival

A 21-year-old woman injured during a protest in Delhi has been taken off a ventilator and is currently stable, according to medical professionals at the hospital. The woman, who is fully conscious, is responding to medical staff and is breathing independently, the hospital confirmed. The incident occurred during a demonstration organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which demanded the resignation of former education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest, which took place near Jantar Mantar in central Delhi, led to one of the longest internet shutdowns in the city’s history. The government issued a seventh order extending the suspension of mobile internet services in the area until midnight on Saturday. This marked the continuation of a series of internet restrictions that began on July 20, when telecom operators were instructed to suspend services from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in parts of central Delhi. Subsequent orders extended the blackout, with the latest order pushing the cutoff to midnight. During the prolonged shutdown, protesters relied on alternative communication methods. Apps like Bitchat Mesh, which uses Bluetooth technology to create a mesh network, became popular among demonstrators. Despite the restoration of mobile internet services following the announcement of Pradhan’s resignation and the cancellation of the protest, telecom service providers had not yet received official orders to lift the suspension. The internet disruption lasted for five days, surpassing previous records in the national capital. The affected areas included key locations such as Janpath Market near Connaught Place, Le Meridien and Shangri-La hotels, the National Media Centre, and the Indian Women’s Press Corps office. Digital rights organizations, including SFLC.in, challenged the internet shutdown orders before the Delhi High Court, arguing that the measures violated legal norms and restricted freedom of expression. Delhi has experienced internet shutdowns in the past, typically linked to law-and-order situations. For example, in December 2019, during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), mobile internet services were suspended for several hours. Similarly, during the 2021 farmers’ protests, internet access was limited in surrounding areas. However, the current shutdown was unique due to its duration and frequency, with multiple consecutive orders extending the blackout. The protest environment, despite the challenges, fostered a sense of community. Reporters and participants described the atmosphere as warm and supportive, with acts of kindness occurring frequently. Individuals offered food, water, and even cooling assistance to fellow protesters. Delivery workers played a crucial role in supplying meals, with one rider making fifteen trips to the protest site in a single day. The food, sourced from various regions across India, highlighted the collective effort to sustain the movement. The police responded to the situation by instructing the Rapid Action Force (RAF) to cease using pellet guns and shock weapons, citing concerns over excessive force. Sources indicated that the Inspector General informed RAF personnel that their actions during the protest were deemed unjustified. This directive reflects growing scrutiny over the tactics used during the demonstrations. As the situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on the health of the injured woman and the broader implications of the protest. The government’s handling of the internet shutdown and the use of force will likely remain subjects of public and legal debate. Meanwhile, the resilience and solidarity displayed by the protesters underscore the complex dynamics at play in the ongoing social and political landscape.