CJP escalates protest, Sonam Wangchuk awaits govt assurances amid clashes

New Delhi: Fresh clashes between protesters and security personnel broke out at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) intensified its protest, declaring that the agitation would continue until the Centre accepted its key demands, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The party said it would continue its protests until the government accepts its demands for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who died by suicide following the examination paper leak, no prosecution of peaceful protesters, and legal action against police personnel allegedly involved in excesses during the protests.

Outside Medanta Hospital, Gitanjali Angmo said social reformer Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a fast, would end it only after the Centre assures that protesters will not face legal action.

"Sonam had decided to break his fast following the receipt of a letter from the MPs, but he is still awaiting assurance from the government that the protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar won't face any legal action. Only after he gets that assurance from the government, will he break his fast," Gitanjali Angmo said.

In a note addressed to Union ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk thanked them for visiting him in hospital and appealing to him to end his fast.

"Dear Nadda Ji and Jitendra Singh Ji, Thank you for visiting me at the hospital last night and for your earnest appeal that I end my fast."

He said the ministers had assured him that the government would positively consider compensation for the families of students who died by suicide following the examination paper leak and hold "a meaningful discussion in Parliament to ensure accountability, including consideration of the resignation of the Hon'ble Education Minister."

Referring to support from parliamentarians, Wangchuk wrote:

"Roughly 65 Members of Parliament from across political parties have written to me; some have already come, and others are expected later this evening. They have all urged me to end my fast, reminding me that I still have much work to do in the service of our nation. I agree with them. I want to live. I want to return to my students, to education, and to the work that has defined my life. But I cannot do so at the cost of the very young people for whom this movement began."

He added that he would end his fast only after receiving an assurance from the government.

"Therefore, I respectfully request an unequivocal assurance from the Government that none of the young protesters will face any punitive or retaliatory legal action for participating in this movement. Their only 'offence' has been to raise their voice for a fair and accountable education system. If such an assurance is given, I shall end my fast with faith that the Government has heard not only my appeal but also the aspirations of lakhs of young Indians."

Addressing protesters at Jantar Mantar, CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke said the agitation would continue until the Education Minister was removed.

"I want to make it clear - this protest will not end until Dharmendra Pradhan is sacked by PM Modi. If the kisan andolan could go on for a year until they won, we will also not stop until we win! Jai Hind."

Dipke also appealed for peaceful protests.

"The strength of our movement lies in peace and nonviolence. Proud of every Cockroach Janta Party supporter who has shown remarkable resilience, courage, and patience despite the brutal crackdown by the Govt. We will win this with love and peace."

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka urged protesters to restrict themselves to four slogans.

"'Bharat Mata ki Jai', 'Inquilab Zindabad', 'Jai Bheem' and 'Dharmendra Pradhan Istifa do' — stick to these four slogans only, they are looking to make narrative, we will not tolerate any negative slogans."

The party also announced that a "janta darbar" was being held at Jantar Mantar and invited government representatives to meet protesters there.

"If ministers want to talk, they must come to the people."

It said it had declined an invitation from the Delhi Police to meet Union Minister J.P. Nadda at his residence.

"We are not going to anyone's closed doors or private homes. If security is a concern, we are open to a neutral venue near Jantar Mantar. But the government must show genuine intent to ACCEPT our demands, not waste our time with meaningless photo-ops."

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait arrived at Jantar Mantar to extend support to the agitation.

Tags : Sonam Wangchuk, Cockroach Janta Party, Abhijeet Dipke, Jantar Mantar, Dharmendra Pradhan