Barricades welded, forces deployed at Jantar Mantar amid CJP protest warning
New Delhi: Delhi Police has increased security at Jantar Mantar following fresh protest threats from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has warned that it will restart its agitation if FIRs registered against protesters are not withdrawn.
Visuals from the protest site showed metal barricades being welded together to prevent them from being removed or shifted during any future demonstrations. Security personnel from the Delhi Police, paramilitary forces and other agencies have also been deployed around the area.
The heightened security comes days after the CJP ended its 36-day protest at Jantar Mantar following the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The party later alleged that the Centre had not followed assurances made during discussions held on July 25.
CJP demands withdrawal of FIRs
CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka alleged that the government had breached the understanding reached after the protest was called off. He claimed that criminal proceedings against protesters were continuing in several states.
The party has demanded the withdrawal of all FIRs against protesters, release of detained demonstrators, an end to new criminal cases linked to the agitation, and the public release of the signed agreement.
The CJP also announced the creation of a nationwide legal aid cell and launched an online evidence collection platform called SAAKSHI to assist protesters facing legal action. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal announced a Rs 1 crore legal assistance fund for those booked in connection with the demonstrations.
Student groups hold separate Jantar Mantar protest
Meanwhile, several Left-affiliated student organisations held a protest at Jantar Mantar against what they described as police action against student activists.
The demonstration was organised under the banner "Student-Youth Unity; Long Live" and included groups such as the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU), All India Students’ Association (AISA), Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and other student organisations.
Protesters demanded the release of detained students and an end to what they called the "criminalisation" of student protests. They also raised concerns over alleged police action during earlier demonstrations.
Student leaders claimed that several activists had faced legal action and alleged that hundreds of students had been arrested in different states. Authorities have not confirmed all the claims made by protest organisers.
The Delhi Police measures at Jantar Mantar reflect heightened preparedness following weeks of demonstrations and political tensions surrounding the protests.
Officials have continued to maintain security arrangements at the designated protest venue to prevent any disruption and ensure that future demonstrations take place within permitted limits.