Srinagar, Jul 27: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has warned of resuming its nationwide protest from Tuesday if cases registered against protesters are not withdrawn, alleging that the Centre has failed to honour assurances given during recent talks, according to media reports.
As per reports, CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka claimed that students had been arrested in Bihar and West Bengal, while volunteers and protesters were allegedly facing surveillance and harassment in Delhi and other states. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of all FIRs, release of detained students, and a halt to any future legal action against protesters, failing which the organisation would relaunch its agitation.
The group has also sought a written agreement on the withdrawal of legal cases, stating that such a commitment had been promised during negotiations with the Centre.
The CJP had called off its 37-day protest at Jantar Mantar over the weekend after the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, one of its principal demands. Following the third round of talks with Union ministers, the government had reportedly assured compensation to the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide and agreed in principle to withdraw FIRs registered against protesters across the country.
The development comes days after clashes during the July 20 “Chalo Sansad” march in New Delhi, when police used tear gas and batons to disperse protesters attempting to march towards Parliament, leading to multiple detentions and registration of cases.
Meanwhile, the issue also figured in Parliament on Monday, while the Supreme Court observed during a hearing that police cannot justify the use of force merely because an agitation is taking place, reiterating that the right to peaceful protest is constitutionally protected.
