The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar continued on Thursday amid increased security arrangements in central Delhi a day after clashes between protesters and police left several security personnel injured and led to the use of tear gas.
The agitation has continued despite police action, registration of an FIR and political tension regarding the protesters’ demand. The CJP has said it will intensify its movement, demonstrators are still calling for action on alleged NEET examination malpractice and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The latest developments came after violence erupted in the vicinity of Jantar Mantar and Connaught Place last night. The protesters threw stones and bottles at security personnel during the clash, police said. A number of police personnel were injured, including Connaught Place ACP Vivek Bhagat.
According to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, ACP Bhagat was brought to the emergency department after the stone-pelting incident at Jantar Mantar. He had suffered bruised arms and legs as well as shoulder injuries. Doctors also found swelling in the parieto-occipital region, or the back of the head.
Bhagat had ear bleeding and vomiting after the incident, the hospital statement said. He was evaluated by the surgery department and treated. ACP later expressed a wish to continue treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi and was discharged from RML Hospital on request after medical evaluation.
On Thursday, security was tight across central Delhi, with additional police and paramilitary troops deployed to control the protests. Authorities were closely monitoring the protest site amid concerns over further clashes.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation also announced the closure of 16 stations as a result of security concerns related to the ongoing protest. These stations include Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Mandi House, ITO, Khan Market, Janpath, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha and Shivaji Stadium, among others. In Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat, interchange facilities are available.
The protest movement has also triggered political reactions. Opposition leaders have criticized the handling of the agitation and raised questions about police actions against protesters. But police officials have maintained that security forces controlled violence and kept public order.
The agitation has now become a bigger political issue, with demonstrations and support actions in various cities beyond Delhi. Students and supporters have taken to the streets in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Jabalpur and Patna.
The Supreme Court had earlier refused to hear a petition on the use of excessive force during the protest and the Delhi High Court recently agreed to put forward a petition on police action during the Parliament march on July 20. The legal actions have only added fuel to the court fight over the handling of the demonstrations.
CJP will continue to protest until its demands are met, it has stated. In the meantime, the Centre has announced fast-track courts for paper leak cases, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi said those responsible for damaging the future of students would face severe action.
The situation in Jantar Mantar is still very important in this protest phase. Security arrangements, traffic restrictions, possible further demonstrations and political reactions will continue to be very important throughout the day.
