The CJP on Monday held a ‘Songs Chalo’ program in New Delhi to protest the leak of NIT exam question papers and demand the resignation of the education minister. The protest was the largest in the capital city with massive clashes between police and protesters. Meanwhile Union Health Minister J.K. P.S. Nadda met the CJP spokesperson for the first time and assured them that their demands would be discussed within the government.
On Monday, thousands of students and youth marched from Jantar Mantar towards Sangsad Bhavan. Police were forced to use tear gas and baton charges as the protesters reached the gates of the Parliament building, past about 3,000 security personnel and several layers of barricades. Internet services have also been suspended in New Delhi district to control the situation. Delhi Police said in a statement that 118 police personnel, including senior officers, were injured as protesters ignored police warnings and displayed aggressive and violent behavior and damaged government vehicles and government property. Police arrested around 70 protesters.
The CJP has accused the Delhi Police of excessive force. Several students were injured in police firing. Sonam Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali J. The group alleged that police in Angmoko were harassing them. However, police described the allegations as completely false and misleading, saying no one was targeted. Meanwhile Union Health Minister J.K. P.S. Nadda, in a meeting with CJP spokespersons Ashutosh Ranka and Sourav Das, promised to hold internal discussions with the government leadership over their demands.
CJP president Abhijit Deepak on Tuesday morning apologized to supporters for the police beating on social media X. He lamented the failure to protect students beaten up by male police and said the government did not hesitate to shed the blood of young students to save Dharmendra Pradhan, whom he blamed for the deaths of over 40 students. He asked the injured to contact him to apologize personally and said he would continue to fight on behalf of the students. Meanwhile, social activist Sonam Wangchuk has announced that she will continue her hunger strike indefinitely.
Police removed the stage from Jantar Mantar but the situation is still tense. CJP founder Abhijit Deepak, spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, Saurabh Das and Gitanjali J. The party, led by Angmo, has continued its stand near the Kerala House and has given a clear indication that it will continue the protest till further official decision or resolution from the government.