Security remained heavy at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Thursday, a day after fresh clashes broke out between police and protesters participating in the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) ongoing agitation. A large police deployment remained in place around the protest venue, while the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) once again suspended operations at 16 metro stations from 7.30 am until further notice.
The stations affected included Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat and Supreme Court, among others. Similar restrictions had also been imposed on Wednesday as authorities sought to manage the law and order situation in central Delhi.
Early on Thursday, the CJP accused the Delhi Police of parking a severely damaged car near the protest site, alleging that it could later be used to blame demonstrators for vandalism. Sharing photographs of the vehicle on social media, the organisation claimed the car was already in a damaged condition, with its windows and windshield shattered, before being brought to the area.
The protest itself remained largely peaceful inside the designated venue on Wednesday. However, the situation deteriorated later on Sansad Marg after a section of demonstrators moved onto the main road, leading to confrontations with security personnel.
Police used tear gas shells to disperse protesters, while some protesters allegedly hurled stones at police personnel and chased them along the Connaught Place radial road. According to Delhi Police, five personnel—including two Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), an inspector, a head constable and a constable—were injured during the clashes.
The CJP also alleged that internet connectivity around Jantar Mantar had been disrupted, raising questions over whether authorities were preparing for another crackdown on protesters. In a post on X, CJP convenor Abhijeet Dipke claimed mobile internet services had been shut down around the protest venue and questioned the government's intentions.
In a separate appeal, Dipke urged police and paramilitary personnel not to carry out what he described as "illegal orders" against peaceful demonstrators.
Meanwhile, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das reiterated that the protest would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, describing the demand as "non-negotiable."
Das said he had spoken several times with activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently admitted to Medanta Hospital after beginning an indefinite fast in support of the movement. According to Das, both agreed that the agitation should remain peaceful and be conducted in a disciplined manner.
"Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is non-negotiable. Until that happens, the protest will continue," Das said.