Around 400 citizens gathered peacefully outside Parliament Street Police Station today for “Salute to Our Protectors,” a two-hour citizen-led gathering organised by Advocate Dr. Syed Rizwan Ahmed to express gratitude towards police and other uniformed personnel for their service and dedication to protecting public order and India’s democratic institutions.
The gathering, held from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, included the felicitation of uniformed personnel as a gesture of appreciation for their service in the line of duty. Participants also expressed their concern over the events surrounding the student protest and attempted march towards Parliament on July 20, 2026, particularly reports of stone-pelting and injuries to police and security personnel. The gathering called for accountability for any acts of violence against uniformed personnel while reaffirming that democratic dissent should remain peaceful and within the bounds of law.
Speaking at the event, Advocate Dr. Syed Rizwan Ahmed said that “Salute to Our Protectors” was intended to send a simple message of gratitude to those who stand on the frontline while protecting public institutions and maintaining public order. They protected our dignity by not allowing the mob to enter our Parliament during the 20th July march. The organisers emphasised that Parliament represents the country’s democratic and constitutional institutions and that its dignity and security must be protected. They reiterated that the right to peaceful protest and respect for law-enforcement personnel are not competing principles, but essential components of a functioning democracy.
The peaceful gathering concluded with an appeal for equal accountability, adherence to the rule of law, respect for democratic institutions, and dignity for uniformed personnel. The organisers said the event was ultimately an expression of gratitude: a citizens’ salute to those who serve in uniform and protect the institutions at the heart of India’s democracy.
