CJP Alleges Breach of Agreement After Student Arrests, Threatens Fresh Protests
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) threatened on July 27 to restart its agitation after alleging a "complete breach of the agreement" reached with the central government regarding police action against student protesters in Delhi and other states.
CJP national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka stated that hundreds of students have been arrested in Bihar and Bengal, while hundreds more face harassment and surveillance in Delhi. The statement comes shortly after the outfit called off its 36-day agitation following assurances from Union ministers that no legal action would be pursued against peaceful demonstrators.
In a statement addressed to Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J.P. Nadda and Union Minister of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh, Ranka demanded the immediate withdrawal of all FIRs filed by the Delhi Police, central investigative agencies, and police departments in BJP-allied states. He urged authorities to release all detained students and ensure no future FIRs are filed against them.
Ranka added that the CJP requires the government to share a written agreement detailing legal case assurances and aligned timelines. He warned that if these demands are not met, the party will stage fresh protests across the country.
CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das also called on the Union ministers to honour the understanding, noting that the party had been extending legal assistance to protesters since the movement began. Das stated that calling off the protest was done in good faith based on government assurances, adding that the CJP would continue monitoring the situation.
The CJP’s initial 36-day agitation began on June 20 over alleged examination irregularities. The protest, which featured a 26-day hunger strike by activist Sonam Wangchuk, was called off after the Centre accepted its primary demand for the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alongside assurances from Nadda and Singh regarding peaceful protesters.
Reaction to the arrests also extended to other student organisations. Neha Bora, National President of the All India Students’ Association (AISA), spoke during a press conference in Patna on July 27 after arriving in Bihar. She condemned the police actions, including serious charges such as attempt to murder against student demonstrators, and warned that Bihar would witness protests similar to those seen in Delhi if cases are not dropped.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India addressed petitions alleging police excesses against NEET demonstrators in Delhi and other parts of the country. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant emphasized that lawful and peaceful protest is guaranteed under the Constitution, stating that police excesses cannot occur merely because an agitation is taking place.
