Following the massive protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday said he was ready to end his fast if the Center gives an assurance that no action will be taken against the protesters.
Today (July 22) marks the 25th day of Wangchuk’s hunger strike over the NEET paper leakage issue.
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Delhi HC is seeking a response from the police
The Delhi High Court sought responses from the Center and Delhi Police on the use of force and referred the matter for further hearing on September 11.
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The court has begun hearing two petitions demanding an inquiry into the investigation into the alleged excessive use of force by the Delhi Police against protesters during the CJP rally. Advocates argued that the police used force against peaceful protesters without any warning and urged the court to summon an additional police deputy, Sandeep Lamba, for physically assaulting a woman who was standing on the sidelines during the protest.
Opposing the petitions, Delhi Police claimed that the so-called peaceful protest did not remain peaceful and that there were videos showing police personnel being injured.
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“The so-called peaceful incitement did not remain peaceful. There are videos showing members of the police being injured. The crowd became unruly and resorted to violence, and violence cannot be allowed. There are videos showing members of the crowd throwing stones.
On Monday, thousands of protesters led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar for the ‘Sansad Chalo’ rally, demanding accountability over the NEET paper leak row and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, among other demands, amid heavy security deployment.
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When the crowd tried to march towards Parliament on the first day of the monsoon session, police used tear gas to disperse the protesters.
CJP says ‘ready to talk’ with government
The CJP said on Wednesday that it was “ready to talk” with the government “in a neutral place.” “They have contacted us. We will not go to their offices or residences. The talks will take place either at Jantar Mantar or at a neutral place. We are open to talks from day one,” Das said.
He added that there might be a “security issue” if the ministers visited Jantar Mantar. “We can meet at the Indian Constitution Club,” Das said. Earlier, CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka confirmed that they had received calls from the police regarding the matter. Union Minister JP Nadda is likely to meet the CJP delegation.
