AMN / NEW DELHI
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced a peaceful youth mobilisation on September 5, with a march planned from India Gate to the Delhi Police Headquarters to protest what it described as the government’s failure to honour commitments made to young protesters on July 25.
According to a statement issued by the party’s National Working Committee, the proposed demonstration will be led by families of deceased NEET aspirants and victims of alleged police brutality. Students, youth organisations and young citizens from across the country have also been urged to participate.
The CJP said its National Working Committee met to review the compliance of the Centre and BJP/NDA-ruled states with commitments allegedly made to the youth following nationwide protests earlier this year. The party claimed that the protesters had withdrawn their movement in good faith after receiving assurances from the government on July 25.
The organisation alleged that, instead of implementing those commitments, the government had delayed action and relied on “technicalities”. It also referred to proceedings before the Supreme Court, claiming that the apex court on August 18 sought information on FIRs registered across the country in connection with the protests.
The CJP alleged that the government had not provided a clear commitment on furnishing the information and said a written assurance it expected from the government was also still pending.
“The CJP’s patience cannot be mistaken for weakness,” the statement said, accusing the government of failing to live up to its assurances to the younger generation.
The organisation said the September 5 march would begin at India Gate and proceed towards the new Delhi Police Headquarters. Families who have lost their children are expected to lead the procession, followed by alleged victims of police action, students and other young citizens.
The CJP described the decision to return to the streets as a response to what it termed a “betrayal” of the trust placed by young protesters in the government’s July 25 assurances.
The party has appealed to students, youth organisations and student groups to assemble at India Gate on September 5 and participate in the march peacefully.
The CJP said the central demand of the mobilisation would be for the government to honour its previous commitments “in letter and in spirit”.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of continuing political and legal controversy surrounding student protests, allegations of excessive police action and demands for accountability. The government’s response to the latest CJP announcement, as well as details regarding permissions and security arrangements for the proposed march, were not included in the statement.
The September 5 mobilisation is therefore expected to test whether the issue can be resolved through dialogue or whether the youth-led protest movement will once again gather momentum on the streets of the national capital.