Delhi Police cleared the Jantar Mantar protest site on Monday, using tear gas and lathi-charges to disperse Cockroach Janata Party supporters [1].
The clash underscores escalating tensions between the government and the CJP as the party attempts to force education and governance reforms ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Protesters, led by Sonam Wangchuk, were attempting a "Chalo Sansad" march toward Parliament when police intervened [1]. Authorities said security concerns drove the decision to impose prohibitory orders and clear the central Delhi area [2].
During the operation, police detained several CJP leaders, including Dimple Yadav [3]. The crackdown disrupted local infrastructure, resulting in the temporary closure of five Delhi Metro stations [1].
Reports on the severity of the police action vary. The Hindu reported the use of tear gas and lathi-charges [1], while MSN described the intervention as mild force [4]. CJP representatives said police assaulted participants during the clashes [4].
Abhijeet Dipke, a spokesperson for the CJP, responded to the police action by stating the movement would not cease. "We won’t back off," Dipke said [5].
The protest focused on demands related to the NEET exam, and broader governance issues [2]. The area remained under high alert as police worked to secure the perimeter around the legislative buildings [6].
“"We won’t back off."”
The forced dispersal of the CJP march indicates a low tolerance for public demonstrations in the capital leading into the Monsoon Session. By shutting down metro stations and detaining high-profile figures like Dimple Yadav, the state is prioritizing security and the uninterrupted functioning of Parliament over the right to protest in central Delhi.
