From lathi-charge to praise: Delhi Police appreciates CJP protesters for maintaining peace

New Delhi: The CJP protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar remained peaceful on Thursday, with Delhi Police Special Commissioner Ajay Chaudhary crediting protesters, volunteers and organisers for helping maintain order during the demonstration.

Chaudhary said the cooperation between the protest leadership, volunteers and police personnel helped prevent any untoward incident and ensured that the gathering remained under control.

“The people who are protesting and the volunteers involved have worked very hard today to keep this entire protest peaceful and it is only with their cooperation that people have remained under control,” Chaudhary said.

He added that there had been no violence at the protest site and that volunteers and organisers were continuously communicating with participants to maintain calm.

“There has been no violence so far and they are talking to each other, explaining things to each other and the volunteers are also making the same appeal to everyone. Their leadership is also doing it and we are also doing it,” he said.

The statement came after tensions escalated earlier this week during the CJP’s “Chalo Sansad” march, when protesters attempting to move towards Parliament were stopped by security personnel. The confrontation led to clashes between protesters and police, with authorities using tear gas shells and resorting to lathi-charge to control the situation.

Several protesters and police personnel suffered injuries during the confrontation. Protesters alleged that excessive force was used against students and demonstrators, while authorities maintained that security measures were taken after attempts were made to breach barricades.

Videos from the incident circulated widely on social media, leading to anger among sections of students, activists and opposition leaders. Protesters demanded accountability over the police action and continued their agitation at Jantar Mantar.

Following the clashes, CJP leaders called for peaceful demonstrations across the country and appealed to student groups and organisations to show solidarity with those affected by the police action. The protest movement continued to attract support from student organisations, political leaders and public figures.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk also appealed to protesters to maintain peace, saying that violence should have no place in the movement. He urged demonstrators to respond to provocation only through peaceful means, stating that “our response must only be flowers”.

Amid the heightened security situation, Delhi Police increased deployment around central Delhi and continued coordination with protest organisers and volunteers. Authorities said their focus remained on ensuring public safety while allowing the protest to continue peacefully.

The CJP agitation has been ongoing at Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including demands for accountability in the NEET paper leak controversy and action against those responsible.

The protest has now become a wider debate involving students, political parties and civil society groups, with discussions focusing on examination reforms, accountability and the handling of student demonstrations. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as the protest remains active at the designated protest site.