Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) workers are preparing for a Parliament march demanding examination reforms. The police has not given permission. Sonam Wangchuk, who is on hunger strike, is in the hospital. CJP is ready to talk to the government, but will also march.
New Delhi [भारत]July 20 (ANI): Activists belonging to the Cockroach Janata Party are preparing to march towards Parliament, while Delhi Police has maintained a tight security cordon. This proposed march was first announced by Sonam Wangchuk, who has been admitted to Safdarjung Hospital from the protest site after a 20-day hunger strike.
CJP ready to talk to the government
On Monday, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das indicated the organization’s willingness to hold talks with the government regarding its long-standing demands for exam reforms. Noting that the administration’s offer for talks was late, he said they were open to discussions to resolve the impasse over the education system.
Speaking to ANI, Das claimed that there is no clarity from the administration despite a recent attempt to initiate talks, adding, “The ball is in their court now.” “The administration is trying to initiate talks with the government. They have come very late, but we have opened our hearts and said that we are ready to talk to them. There is no clarity from their side yet. The ball is in their court now,” he said. “Sonam ji, as of now he is stable, and he is continuing his hunger strike. He sends his best wishes to the young protesters of this country who have finally woken up to this very tough, very dead system that doesn’t listen to them at all. A peaceful march will happen very soon. Peaceful protesters have gathered here for the last 30 days, and we have shown how to have a peaceful protest and put forth our points.”
Sonam Wangchuk put conditions to end the fast
Earlier in the day, Sonam Wangchuk said she would end her hunger strike if the government accepts accountability for recent failures in the education system, including paper leaks, or if Members of Parliament assure her that the issue of education accountability will be raised during the monsoon session of Parliament starting on Monday. In a post at MPs and leaders of parties come to this hospital and give the above assurance… from illegal detention in Safdarjung Hospital, where my freedom of movement, speech and communication is restricted.”
Protestors gathered at Jantar Mantar
Meanwhile, a group of supporters have reached Jantar Mantar to begin Monday’s Parliament march. CJP president Abhijit Dipke, while addressing the protesters at Jantar Mantar, said that “no one can stop us from going to Parliament.”
Abhijit Dipke said, “The biggest march in the history of India is going to take place. For the last 10-12 years, efforts have been made to destroy democracy in this country. By sitting at Jantar Mantar for a month, you have revived democracy.” Dipke said the protests highlighted the resilience of protesters after a month of protests, emphasizing that supporters were coming from across the country and filling the roads leading to the protest site.
Delhi Police issued advisory
Delhi Police has issued an advisory clarifying that no permission has been sought nor given for any proposed march by the CJP to Parliament, and warned that strict action will be taken against anyone violating prohibitory orders in the New Delhi district.
In a statement, Delhi Police said prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS), which corresponds to Section 144 of the erstwhile CrPC, are in force in New Delhi district. According to the advisory, protest marches, processions, demonstrations and gatherings of five or more persons are prohibited, except at the designated protest site at Jantar Mantar, that too with prior permission.
Police said that with the monsoon session of Parliament beginning from July 20, elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure public safety, safety of protected persons and security of important government establishments. Delhi Police further warned that anyone violating the prohibitory orders will be prosecuted under Section 223 of the Indian Justice Code (BNS) and other applicable provisions of law. (ANI)
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