CJP seeks release of detained student protesters:Asks govt to ‘immediately honour’ commitments, demands written assurance by tomorrow

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Monday expressed concern over reports of students and other protesters allegedly being detained or arrested in several states despite the Centre’s assurance that no punitive action would be taken against those involved in the nationwide NEET protest movement. In a statement issued by CJP spokesperson Sourav Das, the party said it had received multiple reports of action against protesters, particularly in Assam, West Bengal and Bihar. It warned that such developments contradicted the assurance allegedly given by the Government of India before the party suspended its nationwide agitation. CJP says legal teams assisting detained protesters Das said the party’s legal team was already coordinating with lawyers in the affected states to secure the release of those detained and provide legal assistance. He said legal support had been extended to protesters since the first day of the movement and assured students that the party would continue to stand by them. The CJP also called upon Union Ministers JP Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh to intervene immediately and ensure that all detained protesters are released. It further demanded that all FIRs registered in connection with the protests be withdrawn. Written assurance sought by Tuesday According to the statement, the Centre had assured the CJP that no retaliatory action would be taken against protesters in BJP-ruled or NDA-ruled states. Das said the government had also committed to providing a written guarantee by Tuesday, 28 July. He said the party had suspended its nationwide protest in good faith and solely on the basis of that assurance. Any departure from the commitment, he added, would amount to a breach of trust not only with the CJP but also with lakhs of young Indians who had chosen dialogue over continued protests. CJP warns of further action The CJP urged the Centre and BJP/NDA-ruled state governments to act with urgency and good faith by ensuring the immediate release of all detainees and the withdrawal of FIRs. Das warned that if those detained were not released and the cases were not withdrawn by Tuesday, the party would be compelled to take further steps. He also appealed to student protesters to remain patient, saying the CJP was closely monitoring the situation and would continue to pursue the matter through legal and political channels. CJP protest lasted 36 days, ended after Pradhan’s resignation On 15 May, the Chief Justice of India made the “cockroach” remark about the unemployed. In response, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) was formed on social media on 16 May. Its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, arrived in India on 6 June. From 20 June, protesters began a sit-in at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak issue. The 36-day protest ended on 25 July, following the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Announcing his resignation, Pradhan said that the events of the past 10 days had deeply saddened him and that the issue was not a matter of personal prestige. Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk, who had been fasting alongside students, also ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving assurances from the government. He is also set to be discharged from Medanta Hospital on Monday.