The protest led by Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi continued for a 33rd day on Wednesday. Thousands of protesters remained at the site for a third consecutive night, stating that the government has not yet taken a concrete decision on their key demands. The organisation also claimed that all supporters detained during the Parliament march have been released, following which the sit-in outside the Delhi Police Headquarters was called off.
Students, youth, social activists and supporters from various states continued to participate in the demonstration. The gathering also included people who were injured during the police action that took place during the Parliament march on 20 July. Protesters spent the night in the open and remained at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday morning.
Clashes were reported between protesters and police during the Parliament march held on 20 July. Several people were reported injured during police action that included baton charges, tear gas and other measures. Since then, the protest has expanded further.
CJP founder Abhijeet Deepke said the organisation would no longer initiate contact with the government. According to him, if talks are to take place, government representatives should come to Jantar Mantar and hold discussions with the protesters. The organisation said the protest would continue until decisions are taken on its key demands.
The organisation said through social media that all protesters detained during the Parliament march had been released. Following this, it decided to end the protest outside the Delhi Police Headquarters.
However, the main demonstration at Jantar Mantar continues, with large numbers of protesters still present at the site. Protesters said their movement is not limited to securing the release of those detained and that they will continue until their primary demands are addressed.
According to sources, Union ministers JP Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh met social activist Sonam Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram late on Tuesday night. Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike since 28 June and was shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital following directions from the Delhi High Court.
No detailed official statement on the meeting has been issued by the government. Protesters said that a clear decision should also be taken regarding Wangchuk's health and his demands.
Delhi Police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the alleged assault on a Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel during the Parliament march. According to the police, a viral video shows some individuals assaulting RAF personnel, pelting stones at a government vehicle and damaging public property.
Police said the investigation is continuing and further action is being taken based on video footage and other evidence. Protesters, meanwhile, questioned the police action and demanded a fair investigation.
CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka alleged that despite being invited for talks on 20 July, the organisation was made to wait for several hours. He said he and other representatives were also not allowed to use their phones.
According to Ranka, the organisation placed three key demands before the government: permission for Sonam Wangchuk to continue treatment and his protest without restrictions, the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and financial assistance for the families of NEET candidates who allegedly died by suicide. No final decision on these demands has been made public by the government.
Several opposition leaders visited the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar, including Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule, Akhilesh Yadav, Arvind Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh and Mahua Moitra.
Addressing protesters, Uddhav Thackeray expressed support for the youth and criticised the police action. Mahua Moitra also addressed the gathering and said the protesters would not back down. The increased participation of opposition leaders has brought wider political attention to the movement.
Reports have emerged that several people associated with the protest were injured. Some student organisations claimed that many protesters injured during the police action are undergoing treatment at different hospitals, with some reported to be in serious condition. However, these claims have not been independently confirmed by official authorities in all cases. The Health Department and the concerned hospitals have been releasing medical updates from time to time.
Delhi Police has further strengthened security arrangements around Parliament House and adjoining areas. Additional barricades have been installed on Rafi Marg and other major roads, and additional police personnel have been deployed. The administration said the security measures are intended to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.
With the protest continuing at Jantar Mantar, attention remains focused on the possibility of talks between the government and the protesters in the coming days. The organisation has reiterated that the agitation will continue until satisfactory decisions are taken on its principal demands. Meanwhile, police are continuing their investigation into the violence and alleged damage to public property during the Parliament march.
