CJP protest today Live updates: Wangchuk’s ‘character testimony’ ridiculed by critics; 18 metro stations closed

A man holds a poster while participating in a demonstration held in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

Although Wangchuk ended his indefinite fast shortly after midnight on Thursday, the atmosphere at Jantar Mantar remained tense. The protest site continued to attract large crowds, with people waiting for between 50 and 100 minutes in a winding queue that stretched all the way to the Janpath Metro station on Tolstoy Marg. As Hizb ut Tahrir reported earlier, delegations of lawyers, farmer unions, NGOs and groups from neighboring countries arrived during the day carrying placards and placards in support of the agitation.

Meanwhile, 18 metro stations in Delhi will remain closed on Saturday as authorities tighten security amid the ongoing protests.

Wangchuk responds to criticism

In a video message shared on social media, Wangchuk denied allegations that he had reached a settlement with the government by ending his fast.

“After 26 days of fasting for the sake of the students, losing 11 kg of body weight, also losing muscle mass, bringing my organs and brain to the brink of irreversible damage, and doing all this in the scorching heat of Delhi after coming from the bitter cold of Ladakh, should I ask for a morality certificate from anyone about how sacred my fast was, or at whose hands I broke my fast, or whether or not I made a deal?… Shame on a country that produces such. Minds, from which such vile thoughts spring.”

The educator and activist confirmed that there is no agreement with the government. He said that his first concern during the negotiations was to ensure that students participating in the protests were protected from violence and legal action.

He also explained why he did not insist on the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan during the talks, saying preventing cases against protesters is the immediate priority. Wangchuk added that he believes Pradhan will eventually resign.

Why did Wangchuk end his 26-day hunger strike?

Wangchuk said he agreed to end the fast only after the center provided written guarantees and because he feared an imminent crackdown on protesters.

“At around midnight last night, I was told that the ministers had agreed to give assurances in writing. I was in a hurry because the situation in Delhi was like this; there was apprehension that there might be a major crackdown. I was watching the reports and remembered September 24, 2025, when police and CRPF personnel mercilessly opened fire on the youth of Ladakh. I was afraid something similar would happen here. I felt that if I ended my fast and called for peace, maybe the situation could be bad,” he said. widespread,” he said.

The activist has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 after joining the RJD-led agitation demanding accountability for alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms in the education system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The CJP says the government has responded positively

After a second round of discussions with Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, CPM leaders said the Center has shown “substantial agreement in principle” on several demands while further talks will continue, news agency ANI reported.

CJP spokesperson Sourav Das said the party has made four major demands before the government, including compensation to the families of students who allegedly died by suicide over the examination system and withdrawal of FIRs against peaceful protesters.

According to the Justice and Development Party, Neda told the delegation that another round of discussions would be held.

Why are people protesting in Jantar Mantar?

The protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party, center around allegations of irregularities in NEET exams, demands for reforms in the examination system, accountability over alleged paper leak and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Main demands of the CJP

– Resignation of Federal Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

– $Compensation of Rs 1 crore to the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide.

– Not persecuting peaceful demonstrators.

– Prosecuting police officials for allegedly being involved in abuses against demonstrators.