New Delhi (India) July 21: CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke stated that the protest at Jantar Mantar would continue until Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. Hundreds returned to Jantar Mantar a few hours after the police cleared the protest venue.
The CJP blamed Delhi Police for brutal lathi charge and roughing up students, including Gitanjali J Angmo, the wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, during the Sansad Chalo march, as it continued with a protest near Kerala House after the removal of the stage from Jantar Mantar.
Dipke Apologises After Police Action On Protesters
CJP president Abhijeet Dipke expressed regrets to the CJP followers, including students, who were beaten by Delhi police personnel.
“I apologise to all our supporters, especially the girls who were brutally beaten by male police officers. We could have done better. I could have done better to protect you from the inhumane actions of the Delhi Police,” he posted on social media platform X.
“To protect one Dharmendra Pradhan, who is responsible for the deaths of more than 20 students, the Govt was willing to spill the blood of many more young students,” the post added.
Wangchuk Extends Hunger Strike Over Crackdown
Activist Sonam Wangchuk said on Monday he will carry on with his indefinite hunger strike as police action against protesters during the "Sansad Chalo" march on the same day, pushed him to continue it.
"I will continue my fast. Seeing the brutality with which peacefully protesting youth are being dealt with, I have decided to continue my fast until the youth leaders are allowed to meet the parliamentarians at Sansad Bhavan or I am allowed to meet them here at the hospital," he said.
Delhi Police Allege Protesters Turned Violent
The Delhi police said that protesters indulged in rowdy, aggressive, and violent acts, and wilfully defied prohibitive orders that were in place.
“The protesters attacked police personnel with stones and other objects, attempted to breach police barricades, vandalised police and other government vehicles, damaged public property, and resorted to large-scale violence, posing a serious threat to public order, the security arrangements in place, and the safety of police personnel performing their lawful duties,” the police said.
Nadda Meets CJP Leaders; Talks Inconclusive
CJP spokespersons said that they met Union Minister JP Nadda at his residence after the government offered talks. They raised three demands -- immediate release of Sonam Wangchuk, resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and compensation of ₹1 crore for every NEET aspirant who committed suicide.
CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said, "The Minister assured us he will discuss this at the appropriate level. However, no commitments have been made so far. The peaceful protesters will not rest until the demand is met.”
However, they later said that there was no response from the government. Nadda acknowledged their concerns and mentioned that the CJP leaders had presented a written petition and that discussions began after the group initiated engagement.