NNew Delhi: Some people wake up to alarm clocks. Others wake up to birdsong. For residents near Jantar Mantar, the morning soundtrack in recent months has often been protest slogans, loudspeakers and the movement of security personnel. A trip to the office, a run to buy rations or even a quick dash to the neighbourhood shop could come with an unexpected obstacle course.
Sushil Yadav, who has lived in the area for nearly 50 years, said the disruption would sometimes reach right up to residents’ doorsteps.
“We are hearing that things have changed, so let’s see what happens next,” he said, hoping residents would finally be able to go about their daily lives without having to plan every little errand around security arrangements. Recalling the situation in July, he said people had come close to residential lanes, with some asking for water and others seeking access to toilets. Yadav said he is not asking for people to stop protesting, but wants a place where they can make their voices heard without turning residents’ everyday lives upside down. “Having a designated place for protests, where people can gather without disturbing our daily lives, would work much better,” he said.
With Jantar Mantar being de-notified as a designated protest site, residents are hoping the change will turn down the volume on their daily lives. For David, the announcement is a reason to hope, but not yet a reason to relax.