
The crackdown at the CJP protest site in Delhi's Jantar Mantar may have been harsh, but it hasn't dampened the human spirit. Over the past few days, as tensions ran high and police lines stood firm, ordinary citizens have stepped up with small but powerful acts of kindness.
A viral video shows an auto-rickshaw driver ferrying two police personnel to their duty point near the protest site. The driver reportedly refused any payment, saying, "Aap bhi apna kaam kar rahe hain, hum bhi apna." Exhausted after long shifts, the cops accepted the ride with visible gratitude.
The gesture has been widely shared on social media, with many calling it a rare moment of solidarity between protesters and the police. "This is what humanity looks like," one user wrote.
In a separate instance of generosity, strangers have been ordering meals through Swiggy and Zomato for CJP protesters. The deliveries arrive at odd hours—some as late as 3am—with instructions like "hand over to the crowd at Jantar Mantar."
A Mumbai man's order for 'hungry CJP protesters' went viral after he shared the screenshot online. "I can't be there, but at least I can feed someone who is," he posted. The food reached the site within an hour, and protesters shared it with everyone around, including nearby police personnel.
Volunteers have also set up makeshift medicine stalls near the protest area. They stock basic first-aid supplies, pain relievers, and water. Anyone—protester or cop—can walk up and take what they need without questions.
"We saw some cops looking dehydrated. So we decided the stall is for everyone. Humanity doesn't pick sides," said one volunteer, who did not wish to be named. The stalls have been running continuously since the crackdown intensified.
These acts of kindness have offered a counter-narrative to the images of lathi-charges and detentions that dominated news feeds. At a time when the protest site felt like a battlefield, residents from nearby areas have brought chai, biscuits, and even blankets.
One local shopkeeper said he has been supplying water bottles for free. "Humlog ko koi nahi rok sakta ki hum kisi ki madad karein," he said, echoing a sentiment that has resonated across social media.
None of these gestures are organised. They emerge spontaneously from individuals who see a fellow human in need—whether in uniform or carrying a placard.
What happens next at the Jantar Mantar protest site remains uncertain. But for now, the story of auto rides, midnight biryani, and medicine for all is what people are talking about.