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New Delhi: The Indian capital witnessed violent clashes on Monday (July 20) as the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)’s “Long March to Parliament” turned parts of the city into a battleground.
Police used batons and tear gas to disperse thousands of protesting students and young activists who defied prohibitory orders and security barricades.
The protest was organised by the CJP to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities and corruption in the NEET medical entrance examination.
From early Monday, thousands of demonstrators gathered at Jantar Mantar, the designated protest site in central Delhi.
As marchers attempted to proceed towards Parliament and reportedly tried to breach multiple security barricades, clashes broke out with police.
Several protesters and police personnel sustained minor injuries.
To contain the unrest, authorities temporarily suspended mobile internet services in several parts of central Delhi.
As tensions escalated, the CJP issued an urgent appeal urging supporters to remain calm and peaceful. In a message posted on social media, the party said: “Even if you are stopped at different points, remain calm and maintain peace. We can succeed only through peace and love.”
A day earlier, on Sunday (July 19), Delhi Police had withdrawn permission for the march and imposed Section 144, prohibiting the assembly of five or more people in the area.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Delhi Police reiterated that rallies, processions and demonstrations were strictly prohibited outside the designated protest venue at Jantar Mantar.
The force warned that legal action would be taken against anyone violating the order and urged citizens to cooperate in maintaining law and order.
