The Delhi riots of February 2020 were not a singular event but a chilling demonstration of a replicable “toolkit” for engineered unrest, a playbook now being employed globally. This toolkit, finely honed around the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) controversy, reveals a systematic approach to destabilisation, with its fingerprints visible in the free Palestine protests across the United States and Europe, as well as in the orchestrated violence in Bangladesh and the protracted conflict in Syria.
Distorting Information
The core of this toolkit is the strategic deployment of disinformation. Just as the CAA was misrepresented to incite fear and distrust in Delhi, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is often framed through selective narratives and manipulated information in the free-Palestine protests. In both cases, social media and orchestrated campaigns are used to radicalise vulnerable populations, particularly students, and create a climate of perpetual outrage. Similarly, in Bangladesh, rumours about reservation policies and alleged blasphemy are used to incite communal violence against minorities, mirroring the CAA misinformation campaign. In Syria, propaganda and disinformation have been weaponised to fuel sectarian tensions and prolong the conflict.
The execution of this toolkit follows a distinct pattern. First, a sustained disinformation campaign creates a climate of fear and suspicion. Second, the mobilisation of vulnerable groups, often women and children, provides a facade of peaceful protest while radical elements manipulate events. In Delhi, this was seen with the use of women as human shields. In the Free Palestine protests, similar tactics are used to garner sympathy and shield violent actors. In Bangladesh, women and children are often used as pawns in communal clashes. In Syria, displaced populations are exploited for propaganda purposes.
Third, organised marches and rallies, fuelled by inflammatory rhetoric, escalate tensions and mobilise larger crowds. In Delhi, slogans like Cheen ke lenge Azaadi were used to incite unrest. In the Free Palestine protests, similar slogans and chants are used to demonise Israel and galvanise support. In Bangladesh, religious processions are often used as a pretext for violence. In Syria, mass demonstrations have been weaponised to destabilise the Government and fuel the conflict. Finally, the transition to violence is triggered by a pre-planned flashpoint. In Delhi, it was the Chakka Jam at Jafrabad. In the Free Palestine protests, it is often the escalation of clashes at checkpoints or the use of provocative symbols. In Bangladesh, it is often the desecration of religious sites or the spread of rumours about blasphemy. In Syria, it is often the use of chemical weapons or the targeting of civilian populations.
The targeting of law enforcement and specific communities is a recurring element. In Delhi, police officers and Hindus were specifically targeted. In the Free Palestine protests, Jewish communities and pro-Israel supporters are often targeted. In Bangladesh, Hindu minorities are systematically victimised. In Syria, sectarian violence targets specific religious and ethnic groups.
The perceived failures of the judicial and law enforcement systems further embolden these destabilising forces. Just as the lack of convictions and perceived bias in the Delhi riots fuelled a sense of impunity, the perceived inaction of international bodies in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, and the atrocities in Syria perpetuates cycles of violence.
The Delhi riots “toolkit” has proven alarmingly adaptable, demonstrating its effectiveness in diverse contexts. Whether it’s the streets of Delhi, the campuses of American universities, the villages of Bangladesh, or the war-torn cities of Syria, the core elements remain consistent: disinformation, mobilisation of vulnerable groups, inflammatory rhetoric, and pre-planned violence.
Understanding this toolkit is crucial to preventing its replication. Robust intelligence, judicial reform, and public awareness campaigns are essential to dismantle these destabilising strategies. International cooperation is also vital to address the transnational nature of these tactics and prevent their further spread.
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