Protesters from the Chhatra Janata Party held a dharna at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on the night of July 22–23 to protest an alleged internet shutdown [1].
The demonstrations signal rising tensions between student-led political movements and the government over digital rights and transparency. The escalation to violence suggests a deepening divide as protesters seek concrete concessions to end their fast.
Six police officers were injured during stone-pelting on the Parliament route [1]. The violence occurred as members of the CJP and their supporters clashed with security forces during the overnight protest [1].
Abhijeet Dipke, a leader of the CJP, urged supporters to mobilize for the cause. "I request you all please join us tomorrow morning 9 am at Jantar Mantar," Dipke said. "We are holding the fort, but without your support, this movement won't be successful" [2].
Protesters at the site chanted "Go Pradhan Go," targeting government officials while accusing the administration of restricting internet access to stifle dissent [2]. The group said they would continue their fast until trust is restored, and assurances are received from the government [1].
Security forces remained deployed along the Parliament route and around Jantar Mantar to manage the crowd following the injuries to the six officers [1]. The CJP leadership said the dharna would only conclude once their demands regarding the internet shutdown were addressed [2].
“Six police officers were injured during stone-pelting on the Parliament route.”
This escalation reflects a volatile intersection of digital freedom and political mobilization in India. By linking an internet shutdown to a physical dharna, the CJP is attempting to turn a digital grievance into a visible public crisis. The transition from a peaceful fast to stone-pelting indicates a high risk of further instability in the capital's high-security zones.
