In a fresh statement, CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka has called upon the government, particularly Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, to ensure no charges are filed against protesters, failing which they would be forced to protest again. Ranka also called for the release of all detained students.
“We demand that all the FIRs against the protesters be immediately withdrawn, students be released and no future FIRs be filed (in line with our agreement) by Delhi police / Central investigative agencies/police in BJP-allied states, failing which we will be forced to sit on protest again,” Ranka wrote on X.
Ranka’s remarks follow a similar statement issued by Saurav Das, which addressed reports that students and other protesters were being targeted, detained or arrested.
Before withdrawing its protest, the CJP stated that the government had assured it that no legal or police cases would be filed against protesters or volunteers for participating in protests at Jantar Mantar and in other Indian cities.
“The CJP continues to closely monitor the situation and expects the Government of India and all BJP/NDA state governments to act with utmost urgency, responsibility and good faith that the present circumstances demand,” Das added further in his statement.
AISA national president Neha Bora also called on the government to honour its assurance and withdraw all cases against the protestors. “The Union government had assured that no cases would be filed against students protesting against the paper leak and that the existing cases would be withdrawn. However, hundreds of students remain in jail across Bihar. Arresting students and invoking serious charges such as attempt to murder against them for protesting is unacceptable,” Bora said.
CJP draws flak after reports of students’ detention surface
After CJP ended its protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, the youth-led movement came under scrutiny after videos showed some of its leaders dancing and celebrating Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as education minister.
The videos shared on social media purportedly show CJP spokesperson Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and other members dancing and celebrating, following the end of the 37-day protest. The criticism came after multiple reports surfaced regarding the detention of students, volunteers and protestors across India.
Das defended the videos and stated that the critics “failed to understand” Gen-Z's approach to activism. “We can sit on the road for as long as it takes. We can protest while dancing. We can organise while sipping cold coffee. We can fight for change without looking the way previous generations think a movement should look,” he wrote.
Wangchuk visit Rajghat, says resignation ‘just a beginning’
Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation was “just a beginning” while addressing the press at Delhi’s Rajghat and expressed hope that ongoing discussions would lead to meaningful reforms in the country’s education system.
Wangchuk reached Rajghat after being discharged from Medanta Hospital. After offering tributes at Rajghat, Wangchuk said the conclusion of his 26-day fast reinforced his faith in Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of peaceful protest.
Wangchuk welcomed discussions on the proposed Public Examinations Amendment Bill, saying appropriate measures should be adopted after thorough deliberation.
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