CJP Protest latest update: 16 Delhi Metro stations closed; Wangchuk sets condition to end fast

Sonam Wangchuk on July 22 evening said he would end his indefinite hunger strike if the Centre assures that no force would be used against protesting students and that no FIRs or punitive action would be initiated against them. This comes amid tightened security around the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest in Delhi. In a video message from Gurugram's Medanta Hospital, Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite fast since June 28, said he had lost around 11 kg during the 25-day hunger strike but wanted to return to his work.

"I want to start my work, but I request the government not to use force again on students and do not file any charges or FIRs. I need an assurance for that. If I get that assurance, I will break my fast today. If no assurance comes, I will be forced to continue it," he said.

Wangchuk said he decided to continue his fast after the police action during Monday's "Chalo Sansad" march organised by the CJP. He appreciated the students for maintaining restraint despite what he described as a brutal attack and alleged provocations.

Shops, offices and restaurants in Connaught Place will close from 6.30 pm on Thursday after the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) issued an advisory citing the "critical situation" around the area due to the CJP protest. The traders' body said the decision followed advice from NDMC officials and urged establishments to comply to prevent any untoward incident.

In a latest update, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to platform X to announce that fast-track courts will be set up for the speedy disposal of paper leak cases, saying the move is aimed at safeguarding students' interests. He said the government has directed the concerned authorities to take necessary steps for implementing the decision and asserted that those responsible for harming the future of the country's youth will face stringent punishment. The tweet has sparked a wide range of responses, from support to criticism and hateful comments.

16 metro stations closed

Meanwhile Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has closed 16 metro stations today morning until further instructions due to security reasons. The 16 Delhi Metro stations mentioned in the DMRC service update are Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhamba Road, Supreme Court, Seva Teerth, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh, and Shivaji Stadium.

Wangchuk's letter to JP Nadda, Jitendra Singh

In a letter addressed to Union ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk said the ministers met him at the hospital on Tuesday night and assured him that the Centre would positively consider providing adequate compensation to the families of students who had allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper "leak" and hold a meaningful discussion in Parliament to ensure accountability for examination irregularities, including considering the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

He also sought an assurance that no action would be taken against protesting students, stating that their only "offence" had been raising their voices for a fair and accountable education system.

Sharing the letter on X, Wangchuk said that once such an assurance was received from the government, he would appeal to peacefully protesting students to suspend the agitation and enter into dialogue with the Centre. The activist added that 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had written to him and several had personally appealed to him to end the fast. He stressed that he wanted to return to his students and continue his work but could not do so at the cost of the young people for whom the movement had begun.

Earlier in the day, a delegation of opposition MPs, including Congress's Vivek Tankha, CPI(M)'s John Brittas and TMC's Sagarika Ghose, met Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital and urged him to end his fast. In a joint letter, MPs from several opposition parties assured him that issues relating to examination reforms and accountability in the education sector would be raised in Parliament while also opposing any coercive action against peaceful protesters.

Internet shut at Jantar Mantar

Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) alleged that internet services had been shut down around Jantar Mantar, where supporters have been staging a sit-in, and questioned whether the government was preparing for another police crackdown.

Abhijeet Dipke claimed internet services had been suspended and appealed to police and paramilitary personnel deployed at the protest site not to use force against demonstrators.

The sit-in entered its third consecutive day after the July 20 "Sansad Chalo" march, during which Delhi Police used baton charges and tear gas to stop protesters from marching towards Parliament. While the CJP alleged excessive use of force, Delhi Police maintained that action was taken after protesters attempted to breach security arrangements. The agitation is demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms in the education system, the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide due to the paper leak.

PM Modi assures positive measures

Separately, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday and discussed students' demands regarding the NEET paper "leak", farmers' issues, water management and concerns related to the education sector.

After the meeting, Pawar said the Prime Minister had assured positive and concrete measures on the issues discussed.

The developments also triggered political reactions, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticising the BJP after Union Health Minister J P Nadda addressed a press conference on the alleged paper leaks. Yadav claimed that the government was not taking the issue seriously, while Nadda said the NDA government was committed to addressing the matter and was prepared for an intensive discussion in Parliament. He also said the issue was under investigation and the government would answer every point before the people.

(With PTI inputs)