NEW DELHI — A day after intense confrontations near Parliament, protesters associated with the satirical youth platform Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) regrouped at Jantar Mantar on Tuesday morning, vowing to continue their agitation.
The site saw a influx of student demonstrators early in the day despite Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel taking down stage structures and tents late Monday night.
Clash Near Parliament and Law Enforcement Response
The renewed gathering follows Monday’s “Sansad Chalo” march, which triggered severe disruptions and clashes across central Delhi:
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Casualties and Force: Over 100 police personnel and more than 60 protesters were injured after law enforcement deployed tear gas and lathicharge to disperse crowds that had advanced close to Parliament House.
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Detentions and Legal Action: Delhi Police detained approximately 70 individuals and registered an FIR against unidentified persons for violence and vandalism.
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Police Statement: Authorities stated that demonstrators exhibited “unruly, aggressive, and violent” behavior, ignoring explicit prohibitory orders. Conversely, student representatives accused the police of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.
Government Outreach and Core Demands
Amid the escalation, the Union Government initiated direct communication with CJP representatives on Monday afternoon:
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Ministerial Meeting: Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda met with CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka at his residence to receive a formal written petition.
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Key Charter of Demands: The CJP delegation put forward three non-negotiable points:
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The immediate release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk with no movement restrictions.
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The resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET 2026 paper leak controversy.
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Ex-gratia compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide.
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Government Response: Minister Nadda confirmed receipt of the petition and assured the delegation that the matter would be reviewed at the appropriate level, though no formal commitments were made.
Hunger Strike and Continued Agitation
Adding to the pressure on authorities, activist Sonam Wangchuk—currently admitted to a Delhi hospital—issued a signed, handwritten message via his wife, Gitanjali Angmo:
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Fast Extension: Wangchuk announced he will maintain his hunger strike to protest the police action against the youth.
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Condition for Resolution: He stated his fast will continue until youth leaders are permitted to meet with Members of Parliament inside Sansad Bhavan or parliamentarians visit him at the hospital to resolve the impasse.
