A program held at the Indian Law Institute by the Group of Intellectuals and Academicians (GIA) delved into the 2020 Delhi riots, examining them in the context of regime change attempts and information warfare. The event gathered a panel of experts, including retired Ambassadors, former bureaucrats, senior police officials, lawyers, and public intellectuals, to explore different facets of the riots. Former Police Commissioner S.N. Srivastava viewed the Delhi riots as part of a global trend where riots are utilized to bring about regime changes.
Former Research and Analysis Wing Chief, Sanjiv Tripathi, discussed the concept of fifth-generation information warfare, illustrating how riots can be tools in modern hybrid conflicts that involve narrative-building, psychological operations, and strategic misinformation. Former Ambassador Veena Sikri highlighted the significance of narrative control in determining the political outcomes of events like the Delhi riots. She emphasized the role of perception management and international messaging in shaping responses at domestic and global levels.
GIA Convener Monika Arora characterized the Delhi riots as an “experiment” aimed at destabilizing the regime, stressing the importance of scholarly engagement and public awareness to comprehend the structural and informational aspects of such incidents. Prominent citizen Chander Wadhawan analyzed the involvement of the “deep state” and its potential impact on political unrest. The program concluded with a commitment from the Group of Intellectuals and Academicians (GIA) to continue fostering public awareness, research, and informed discussions on the Delhi riots and other national issues.
