Record crowds join CJP protest at Jantar Mantar
Unprecedented crowds continued to pour into Jantar Mantar on Wednesday night as CJP’s protests continue against the NEET paper leak and other examination irregularities. Crowds lined up from outside of Janpath Metro Gate Number 2, leading up to the main stage area. Protests went up to the Kerala House area, and protestors continued demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
Additionally, anger poured out against the Delhi police after the Monday crackdown, leading to several protestors being injured. Protestors commented on the alleged excessive use of force by the police and sloganeered against the action.
Walking into the main Jantar Mantar area, a large group of protestors stood at attention and sang the National Anthem with conviction. The crowd was emotional about the loss of lives of students who died by suicide due to the paper leak. A protestor said, “We are singing the national anthem every day; we are peaceful, yet we were attacked.”
A protestor who came from Sangrur said, “I waited many days for some change but joined the CJP movement to extend support to my brothers and sisters.”
Additionally, a group of lawyers practising in the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court met with The Pioneer and spoke about the ordeal of helping with detained protestors. Advocate Mohit Jakhar said, “We visited several police stations in the North Campus area of Delhi University. Many protestors were taken to Model Town and Civil Lines stations. So far, all protestors in the North Campus area PSs have been released.”
A huge line was queued up, leading to the inside protest area where the main stage is designated. CJP volunteers have formed human chains to enter the area.
Claims have floated about a possible scuffle between the Delhi police and protestors near the Rafi Marg and Sansad Marg area. Protestors have allegedly used force and attacked the police personnel.
Police continue to warn the protestors to maintain peace and not develop any stampede-like situations. The police personnel continuously have announced and got protestors to not pick any stones and indulge in violence.
