Protestniki so bili "neupravičeni, agresivni in nasilni": Delhijska policija na protestu CJP

Delhi Police described the protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) as “unruly, aggressive and violent,” according to a statement issued on Monday. The demonstration, which took place on the opening day of the Indian parliament’s monsoon session, saw hundreds of activists marching toward Parliament to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged mismanagement of competitive exams. The police alleged that the protesters disregarded lawful directions, breached barricades, and engaged in acts of vandalism and physical aggression. Over 118 police personnel were injured, including senior officers, while approximately 60 protesters were also reported hurt. Medical examinations are ongoing for the injured, and around 70 individuals have been detained. Legal proceedings are set to begin under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and other relevant statutes. The protest, which began on July 19, was led by the CJP, a political campaign spearheaded by activist Sonam Wangchuk and founder Abhijeet Dipke. Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since early June, was forcibly hospitalized by the Delhi Police on July 18, citing health concerns and a High Court order. His continued fast has become a focal point of the movement, drawing both public sympathy and criticism. On Monday, Wangchuk reiterated his commitment to the hunger strike, stating he would continue it until youth leaders are allowed to meet parliamentarians or until he is permitted to meet them at the hospital. A handwritten note shared on social media detailed his decision, emphasizing the “brutality” with which peaceful protesters were treated. The Delhi Police refuted claims made by the CJP that its members were subjected to excessive force. In a fact-check post on X, the police denied allegations that women and children were assaulted or that their clothing was torn. They stated that such claims were false and urged the public not to circulate misleading information. While the police acknowledged that some protesters threw stones at security personnel, they noted that no video evidence supported these claims. Instead, a video circulating online appeared to show stones being thrown from the police side of the barricades toward the demonstrators. Mobile internet services were also suspended at the protest site, and tear gas was deployed by security forces to control the crowds. During the confrontation, protesters near the Press Club of India were subjected to tear gas shells by the Delhi Police. Ground footage captured thick clouds of smoke filling the streets as demonstrators fled for cover. Many were seen coughing, rubbing their eyes, and expressing discomfort from the burning sensation in their throats. Video clips depicted the chaotic scene, highlighting the tension between the protesters and law enforcement. Despite the police’s efforts to contain the situation, the protest escalated into a larger clash, with both sides reporting injuries and damage to public property. The CJP, however, maintained that the police acted with undue force, describing their tactics as a “brutal lathi-charge” and calling it a “black day” for democracy. Activist Sonam Wangchuk criticized the handling of the protest, accusing authorities of using excessive force against peaceful youth. His hunger strike, which has lasted nearly three weeks, has drawn widespread attention, with supporters urging the government to address the underlying issues fueling the demonstrations. Meanwhile, Abhijeet Dipke, the party’s founder, has remained a central figure in the movement, although his presence at key moments has been inconsistent. After Wangchuk was hospitalized, Dipke launched his own hunger strike, vowing to continue it until Wangchuk was released from the hospital. However, his fast lasted only about 48 hours before he ended it upon Wangchuk’s request. As the situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on resolving the tensions surrounding the Education Ministry and ensuring the safety of all participants. The government has yet to provide a clear resolution to the protesters’ demands, and the outcome of the ongoing legal investigations into the incident remains uncertain. For now, the streets of Delhi remain tense, with the echoes of the protest reverberating through the city’s political landscape.