Delhi police detain pro-NREGA protesters; stop Jean Dreze, others from conducting programme

NEW DELHI: The ongoing protests against the "attack" on the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 by the Centre was disrupted by the police.

Social scientist and activist, Jean Dreze, Richa Singh of Sangtin Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan and other activists were stopped by the police from conducting a programme outside the Delhi University's Arts Faculty. 

Delhi police abruptly stopped Jean Dreze, Richa Singh, Com. Somnath and students at Delhi University while conducting a program at DU Arts Faculty on the ongoing attack on NREGA by the central government. pic.twitter.com/7z84lHznT7

— NREGA Sangharsh (@NREGA_Sangharsh) March 24, 2023

On March 24, the ongoing protests entered 29th day. The NREGA workers from different states have been reportedly protesting in Delhi against mandatory online attendance and Aadhaar-based payment.

A senior police officer said the university had approached the police over apprehensions that peace and tranquillity could be disturbed. He said the students and activists were later removed from the spot.

An activist associated with NREGA Sangarah Morcha said several students were picked up during the peaceful gathering.

"Many Delhi University (DU) students as well as an American student were detained and taken to the Maurice Nagar Cyber cell station for simply holding a discussion on the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), 2005 and the right to work. Several other activists were also detained when they went to the police station to support those who were detained," Raj Shekhar said.

Taking to Twitter, the NREGA Sangarsh Morcha shared a series of tweets about the incident. In the video, police personnel were seen gathered around the students who were assembled to conduct the meeting.

Few moments later, they were removed from the spot and many were taken in police vans.

"The Delhi police is silencing the right of peaceful protestors to hold public discussions on issues crucial for the poor of the nation. Let us resist this and protest harder," the group tweeted.

Reacting to the incident, a senior police officer said no FIR has been registered in this regard.

"When activists and students were trying to assemble, they were removed from the spot. Eleven people who had gathered were peacefully removed. Among these 11 people, two were women," he said.

"No FIR has been registered in the matter," he added.

(With inputs from Online Desk.)