The Kakroach Janata Party (KJP) on Monday launched the Sangsad Chalo program demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in protest over the NEET scam. Delhi Police has issued Section 163 in the capital to prevent the protesters. CJP ignored it and started marching towards Parliament this morning. After going some distance they were stopped by a barricade. The police also resorted to baton charge to control the situation.
Eight thousand people took part in the parliamentary campaign today. When the rally started, the police stopped them. But the agitators could not be controlled in any way. Then the caning started.
Monday is the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament. CJP had announced today’s program earlier. The protest against the NEET incident, which has been going on for almost a month, is intensifying with each passing day.
Sonam Wangchuk, a social activist from Ladakh, went on hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in late June. His physical condition also deteriorated. After 21 days, the Delhi Police admitted Sonam to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday on the orders of the High Court. This is also controversial.
Sonam Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali Angmo has announced that she will represent her husband in today’s Parliament Cholo procession in his absence.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police termed the CJP’s campaign as ‘illegal’ and refused to allow the march. Section 163 has been issued in Jantar Mantar area. The road is surrounded by barricades.
Security has been beefed up in Delhi since 4 am on Monday, sources said. The entire New Delhi region has been divided into 15 security zones to ensure that the protesters do not disturb the law and order situation in any way. Each zone is headed by a Special Commissioner and a Deputy Commissioner.
Besides the Delhi Police, more than 25 battalions of the Central Armed Police Force, including women personnel, have been deployed at strategic locations. Water cannons and anti-collision ‘Lightning’ vehicles are also ready to deal with any situation.
The Delhi Police clarified that no permission was sought or given for the raid on Parliament. Section 163 (formerly known as 144) has already been implemented across Delhi. Consequently, gatherings or processions of 5 or more people anywhere other than the Yantar Mantar is strictly prohibited.
Any protests are strictly prohibited in high security areas like Vijay Chowk, Parliament Street, Prime Minister’s residence, Seva Tirtha, India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan. The police have warned that strict legal action will be taken against those who violate the law. But after so many years, the entire country is witnessing political clashes on the streets of Delhi.