CJP is also planning a nationwide protest on 24th July and is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The move comes despite repeated assurances from the Centre and an invitation to meet the protesting students to discuss their problems.
The CJP said a nationwide mobilisation would be held in solidarity with students and protesters who had been attacked and arrested by police during demonstrations across the country. Student groups and other organizations would have to coordinate permissions and logistical arrangements ahead of the protests, the organisation said.
The CJP appealed to the public to read the students' demands during public gatherings and to express solidarity with those who have experienced police action. Protesters should also be disciplined, in order not to use provocative slogans, the organization said.
The CJP specifically asked participants to use slogans like “Jai Hind”, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, “Inquilab Zindabad” and “Jai Bhim”. It also called on protesters to record what’s happening and stressed that demonstrations should be peaceful and non-violent.
The announcement comes as tension is growing between the student-led movement and the Centre. The CJP has rejected the government’s assurances and has maintained that the announcement of fast-track courts to deal with examination paper leaks does not address the larger issues of accountability and alleged systemic failures.
Narendra Modi had already announced measures to take swift action to hold accountable those who were responsible for the paper leaks and to provide justice for those who would have led to the leakage of papers. But the CJP has said that stronger action is needed; political accountability and reforms to prevent the abuse of competitive exams are needed.
The mass movement, which has been around for over a year, has been demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan from the government.
The agitation has gained significant attention since clashes between protesters and security personnel in Delhi. Protests at Jantar Mantar and attempts to march towards Parliament led to increased security arrangements and police action. Protests have also been reported in several other cities, with students and supporters expressing solidarity with the campaign.
The movement has been backed by several politicians and education activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike has only intensified pressure on the government. The CJP’s continued protests despite the Centre’s offer for talks show that the standoff is far from over.
The July 24 mobilisation is going to take place in many places so authorities will watch them closely and will make sure that things are secure. Meanwhile, the CJP has maintained its demand for peaceful demonstrations, but that the government should address the protesters’ core demands as much as just provide assurances.
