Two protest venues, one anthem: Protesters, police join in singing ‘Jana Gana Mana’

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In the video that has now gone viral on social media, Bengaluru DCP Chetan Singh Rathore can be heard saying: “When you are part of any group, you might get swayed by mob mentality. And there can also be a few hiding among you with that mentality. And if that person takes advantage of this, all of us will get beaten up.”

To this, the protesters replied: ” You are right, you are right.”

The DCP further said, “Now, if you trust me, then I will sing a song. And all the countrymen will stand with me.”

As he began singing the national anthem, the protesters also joined him. They later vacated the area, according to news agency ANI.

#WATCH Karnataka: DCP of Bengaluru(Central),Chetan Singh Rathore sings national anthem along with protesters present at the Town Hall in Bengaluru, when they were refusing to vacate the place. Protesters left peacefully after the national anthem was sung. #CitizenshipAmendmentAct pic.twitter.com/DLYsOw3UTP

— ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2019

The national anthem was also sung at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Thursday, but by the protestors, who were trying to convince the Delhi Police to sing.

Some participants also handed out roses to security personnel, saying even if they were lathi-charged, their message would be “love in return for hatred”. “Dilli Police baat karo, Chalo humare saath Chalo. Hum yuva hai baat karenge. Naaki joota-laat karenge!” they chanted.

https://twitter.com/nehadixit123/status/1207657531062943745?s=12

Sandeep Dhiman, a protester, was quoted by PTI as saying, “They can lathicharge us as much as they want, we will still offer them roses. Love in return for hatred. We are ready to face their tear gas and water canons.”

The protestors, including students and activists, gathered at Jantar Mantar after they were not allowed to hold demonstrations near the Red Fort and Mandi House, where prohibitory orders have been imposed.