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Anurag Kashyap Speaks Out on Delhi Police Crackdown During “Chalo Sansad” March

Anurag Kashyap Speaks Out on Delhi Police Crackdown During “Chalo Sansad” March

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap condemns police action on CJP protestors

Renowned director Anurag Kashyap voiced strong criticism of Delhi police after they dispersed the CJP protestors during the ‘Chalo Sansad’ march, calling the move a blow to democratic dissent.

When the dust settled after Delhi police swooped in on the CJP protestors during the much‑talked‑about "Chalo Sansad" march, a familiar voice from Bollywood's indie circuit rang out – Anurag Kashyap. The filmmaker, known for his gritty storytelling, didn’t waste time. In a series of posts on social media, he blasted the police for what he termed a "brutal, unnecessary crackdown".

"What we saw was not a protest, it was an attempt to silence dissent," Kashyap wrote, his words punctuated by a mix of anger and palpable disappointment. He went on to point out that the protestors, many of whom were ordinary citizens and not professional agitators, were merely exercising a constitutional right – the right to assemble and voice grievances. "When the state throws its weight around against peaceful demonstrators, democracy itself starts trembling," he added.

It wasn’t just a one‑liner. Kashyap layered his criticism with a reminder of India’s own history of protest. He referenced the 1970s Emergency, the anti‑corruption movements of the 2010s, and even the early days of his own career when he faced censorship. "We're no strangers to being told to keep quiet," he mused, a slight smile almost audible in his typing, "but when the police become the mouthpiece of fear, we have to speak louder."

Fans and followers flooded the comments, echoing his sentiment and sharing personal anecdotes of similar police encounters. Some defended the police, arguing that law and order must be maintained, especially during large gatherings. Kashyap, ever the provocateur, responded politely yet firmly: "Law and order aren't about crushing voices; they're about protecting spaces for those voices to be heard. If that’s lost, what’s the point of any order?"

Beyond the social media tirade, Kashyap hinted at a more concrete step – a possible short documentary capturing the protest and the police response. "If we don’t document these moments, they risk being erased," he said, gesturing to his camera. The idea was met with enthusiasm from collaborators, hinting that this incident could soon be immortalised on screen.

While officials defended their actions as necessary for public safety, Kashyap remained unconvinced. He called for an independent inquiry, emphasizing transparency, and urged other artists to stand up. "When one voice raises the alarm, many more should join – it’s the only way we keep the guard against authoritarian impulses," he concluded, leaving his followers with a resonant call to action.

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