Demonstrators Reassemble Hours After Police Cleared Protest Site
The Cockroach Janata Party Protest resumed late Monday night at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, just hours after police dispersed demonstrators following a day marked by clashes, a march toward Parliament, and heightened security across the capital.
Supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) gathered again at around 10:30 p.m., rebuilding their protest stage after authorities had cleared the area earlier in the evening. The renewed demonstration came after a tense day that saw repeated confrontations between protesters and police during the party’s march toward Parliament.
Protest Escalated During Parliament March
The day-long protest began at approximately 8:00 a.m. and remained largely centered around Jantar Mantar before events escalated later in the morning.
According to reports, around 10:00 a.m., a section of protesters broke through police barricades and marched toward Parliament. The procession moved through key locations including Sansad Marg, Janpath Chowk, the National War Memorial, Kartavya Path, and Vijay Chowk before reaching the vicinity of the Parliament complex.
Authorities said some protesters attempted to move closer to Parliament, prompting security agencies to tighten security measures. Entry gates were secured, and access to the main Parliament building was restricted as a precaution.
Police Use Tear Gas as Violence Breaks Out
As the situation became increasingly tense, police deployed tear gas in an effort to control the crowd. Later in the day, visuals circulating from the protest showed incidents of stone-pelting, adding to concerns over public safety.
Officials reported that more than 50 police personnel and a similar number of protesters sustained injuries during the unrest. While authorities have not released a detailed breakdown of the incidents, both sides have presented differing accounts of how the violence unfolded.
The Cockroach Janata Party alleged that police used excessive force against what it described as unarmed demonstrators. Party leaders claimed officers carried out baton charges and fired tear gas shells despite protesters participating in a peaceful demonstration. Images of injured protesters were widely shared on social media following the clashes.
Protest Leaders Present Three Key Demands
Amid the unrest, a delegation from the Cockroach Janata Party held discussions with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda. According to the party, the meeting focused on three primary demands.
The delegation called for the immediate release of activist Sonam Wangchuk, sought the resignation or removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and demanded compensation of ₹1 crore each for the families of more than 20 NEET aspirants who allegedly lost their lives.
Party representatives said they received assurances from J.P. Nadda that no punitive action would be taken against those involved in the protest, though no official statement detailing the outcome of the meeting has been released.
Separate High-Level Government Meeting Held
Sources indicated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also held an extended meeting during the day. However, officials have not disclosed the agenda or any decisions that may have emerged from those discussions.
The meeting took place as the protest continued to draw national attention and concerns grew over law and order in the capital.
Hunger Strike Developments
The ongoing hunger strike linked to the protest movement also witnessed significant developments.
Student leader Abhijeet Deepak ended his fast after nearly three weeks. Three other students, who had also been on a hunger strike for 22 days, likewise concluded their protest.
However, activist Sonam Wangchuk refused to end his fast. He stated that he would continue his hunger strike, alleging that police had acted with unnecessary force against peaceful demonstrators during the Parliament march.
His decision has kept attention focused on the broader protest movement despite the conclusion of several other hunger strikes.
Delhi High Court Seeks Wangchuk’s Health Report
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court heard a petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Geetanjali Angmo, concerning his health and well-being during the ongoing fast.
The court directed authorities to submit Wangchuk’s medical report and scheduled the next hearing for July 21. The proceedings are expected to provide further clarity on his health condition as the hunger strike continues.
Protest Continues Amid Political Tensions
With demonstrators returning to Jantar Mantar late Monday night, the Cockroach Janata Party Protest remains active despite police efforts to clear the site earlier in the day. The renewed gathering signals that the party intends to continue its campaign while pressing its demands before the central government.
Authorities continue to maintain enhanced security around Parliament and other sensitive locations as they monitor developments. Further negotiations between government representatives and protest leaders could determine the next phase of the demonstration, while legal proceedings and discussions over the protesters’ demands are expected to continue in the coming days.