Scientists Distanced from Delhi Protest Over Unrelated Demands, Police Clampdown

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In a move to distance themselves from unrelated demands, Scientists for Society (SFS) has condemned groups that hijacked a protest against Delhi's severe air pollution crisis. The SFS, which participated in the 'Delhi Against Clean Air' protest on Sunday, emphasized that the primary objective was to highlight the city's air quality crisis, educate citizens, and question the government's inaction. According to the SFS, two organizations, Himkhand and bsCEM, began shouting slogans related to the alleged extra-judicial killing of CPI leader Madvi Hidma. The SFS stated that it was not informed beforehand and considered this act 'undemocratic' and against the joint front's ethics and common minimum programme. In a separate incident, Delhi Police arrested 15 protesters on charges of obstructing personnel and assaulting them. The situation escalated when some demonstrators allegedly used pepper spray on police personnel while being removed from the scene. The protesters had gathered near the C-Hexagon, obstructing ambulances and medical personnel. The SFS condemned the detention of protesters and demanded the immediate release of all activists. Reiterating the urgency of the air quality crisis, the organization stressed that the focus must remain on identifying the real causes of pollution, spreading awareness, and building a mass movement. The SFS also called for the release of all detained protesters, stating that yesterday's incident should not hamper their momentum in addressing the pressing issue of air pollution in Delhi.