For the love of god, forget it. If you’re between 18 and 30, the scenes unfolding at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar today should make you stop scrolling.

Thousands of young Indians showed up with backpacks, placards and one demand; let us be heard.

What were they met with instead? Layers of barricades, riot police, water cannon vehicles, tear gas, baton charges, detentions, metro stations shut and roads sealed.

Whatever your politics, that’s a day worth paying attention to.

A Protest That Looked More Like A Security Operation

By the time protesters reached central Delhi, Parliament had already turned into a fortress.

Hundreds of police and paramilitary personnel stood guard behind multiple layers of yellow barricades. Water cannon vehicles were positioned across key junctions and yes, five Delhi Metro stations were temporarily shut. Roads around Parliament, ITO and Vikas Marg were blocked before thousands of students could even begin marching.

So, yes, there it was, a full frontal mind-f*cking challenge; getting to Parliament wasn’t going to be easy.

Then Everything Escalated. Fast.

Around 11:25 am, the first major confrontation broke out near Parliament Street. According to PTI, protesters attempting to move through the barricades were stopped by police before a lathi charge followed. Videos from the ground showed young protesters running, stumbling and helping each other as chaos unfolded. Ten to fifteen protesters were detained during the initial clashes, while several others reportedly required first aid.

Barely an hour later, things got worse! If it was even possible. 

Around 12:50 pm, tear gas shells were fired near the Press Club of India. Videos flooding social media showed clouds of smoke swallowing the streets as protesters covered their faces with scarves, handkerchiefs and T-shirts. Others were seen pouring water into each other’s eyes to ease the burning.

These weren’t visuals anyone expected to see on a Monday afternoon outside Parliament! 

The Internet Was Watching, Until Some Said It Couldn’t

As the clashes intensified, organisers alleged that internet services had been disrupted in parts of Delhi.

In one post, CJP wrote:

“You can shut down the internet, but how will you close the eyes and ears of the protesters who will see and report to the world what’s going on in Delhi?”

Authorities had not immediately issued a detailed explanation regarding every reported disruption, but the claim became one of the day’s biggest talking points online.

“Is This A War Zone?”

As videos of tear gas spread across social media, CJP posted another message that struck a chord with thousands online:

“Is this a war zone? Why is the police resorting to tear gas assault on peaceful protesters?”

The organisation later added:

“First your govt ignored this protest for a month and now when we are peacefully marching your govt is attacking us.”

Those words rapidly spread across X as videos from the ground continued pouring in.

One Post Left The Internet Stunned

Perhaps the most *chilling* moment of the day hit after videos surfaced showing armed security personnel in tactical positions near Parliament. Sharing the footage, CJP appealed:

“Please don’t shoot at our country’s youth. They’re not making any unreasonable demands. They just want accountability.”

The post reflected the organisation’s interpretation of the visuals. There was no official confirmation that live firing was contemplated.

This Is Why Today’s Images Feel Different

This wasn’t just another protest. This was thousands of young Indians marching over months of frustration surrounding exams, jobs and accountability. And the images they’ll probably remember aren’t the speeches. They’re the smoke, the barricades, the bruises and the backpacks lying on the road.

Backpacks lying on the road may be the metaphorical equivalent of the education situation in the country.  But some of us had their eyes blinded by the tear gas and must have missed on this beautiful poetic moment.