'Forced to return to streets': CJP announces September 5 protest over 'failed government promises'

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced a peaceful march from India Gate to the Delhi Police Headquarters on September 5, accusing the government of failing to honour commitments made to the country's youth on July 25.

The party said the march will be led by families of deceased NEET victims and people who were allegedly subjected to police brutality during the July 20 'Sansad Chalao' march. Students and young citizens are also expected to join the protest.

CJP announces September 5 march

The announcement followed a meeting of the CJP's National Working Committee on Monday to review what it described as the government's failure to act on assurances given after its earlier agitation.

“We announce a peaceful protest march from India Gate to the new Delhi Police Headquarters on 5 September, led by the families of the deceased NEET victims and victims of police brutality, and joined by students and young citizens from across the country,” the statement read.

The party said its demands include action on FIRs registered against students and protesters, as well as compensation for families of students who died amid the NEET exam paper leak.

Party accuses government of delaying action

The CJP alleged that the government had avoided giving clear commitments on the issues despite assurances made on July 25.

“For a month now, instead of implementing what was solemnly promised, the Government has played delay games, hidden behind technicalities, and avoided giving clear commitments even before the Supreme Court of India,” the statement read.

The party also referred to the Supreme Court's August 18 proceedings, claiming the Centre had not provided a clear commitment on sharing a list of FIRs registered across the country for consideration of their collective quashing.

“On 18 August, the Supreme Court repeatedly asked the Union Government to provide a list of FIRs registered across the country so that the Court could consider quashing them together, at one go, making the commitment easiest to fulfil. Yet, the Government refused to give a clear commitment to do so. The written assurance from the Government to the CJP is also due.”

The CJP said its willingness to wait should not be interpreted as weakness.

“Our good faith cannot become an opportunity for the Government to betray us.”

CJP says protest will return to streets

The organisation said it had been “forced to return to the streets” after withdrawing its nationwide movement following the July 25 commitments.

“A government cannot take the trust of an entire generation, use it to send them home, and then quietly retreat from its own word. We will not accept this attempted betrayal.”

The CJP urged students, youth and student organisations to gather at India Gate on September 5.

“If solemn commitments made to the youth of this country mean anything, the Government must honour them, in letter and in spirit.”

The announcement comes after a 37-day protest at Jantar Mantar, following which then education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on July 25. The government had also promised to quash FIRs against student protesters and provide ₹1 crore in compensation to families of students who died amid the NEET exam paper leak.