Over 50 detained at Jantar Mantar; protesters demand reservation for poor, not castes
Over 50 protesters were detained at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for demonstrating against India's caste-based reservation system. The group, operating under the 'Reservation Hatao Andolan', advocates for economic-based criteria and a 'one family, one reservation' policy.
Why it matters
The protest highlights ongoing social tensions regarding affirmative action policies in India and the growing demand for economic-based rather than caste-based welfare distribution.
NEW DELHI: More than 50 protesters who had gathered at Jantar Mantar demanding changes to India’s reservation system were detained by cops Friday.While hundreds had gathered through the day, the situation escalated around 7.30pm as several protesters who remained at the spot beyond the prescribed time of 4pm began raising slogans. This prompted the deployment of additional Delhi Police personnel and Rapid Action Force.Police said most protesters had left after the demonstration ended, but several remained at the spot despite repeated requests to disperse. The situation was later brought under control and Jantar Mantar was cleared.Reservation should go to poor, not castes: ProtestersBy afternoon, demonstrators had assembled at Jantar Mantar behind police barricades, carrying placards and raising slogans such as “Aarakshan gareeb ko mile, jaati ko nahi” (reservation should go to the poor, not castes).
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