NEW DELHI: After Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, fresh violence broke out at Jantar Mantar on Saturday as stone-pelting erupted during the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest.The incident prompted security forces to use tear gas shells and a mild lathicharge to disperse the crowd, news agency PTI reported.The clashes reportedly began soon after news of Pradhan’s resignation reached the protest site.According to sources, a section of protesters turned violent and pelted stones at security personnel deployed in the area, forcing police to intervene.Security forces fired tear gas shells and carried out a mild lathicharge to bring the situation under control.
CJP Jantar Mantar Protest Updates
Reportedly, two police personnel suffered head injuries and were immediately taken to a nearby hospital.Officials said adequate police deployment remains in place at Jantar Mantar and the situation is now under control, PTI reported.The violence came even as CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke declared that the agitation would not end with Pradhan’s resignation.Addressing supporters at Jantar Mantar, Dipke termed the resignation a “victory” for the movement but said the protest would continue until the Centre accepted the party’s remaining demands.According to Dipke, the CJP is now seeking Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the NEET paper leak controversy.The party is also seeking action against police personnel over the alleged crackdown on protesters during the July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ march.“There’s no need to be afraid. This is democracy. He has resigned, but we have two more demands. We won’t go like this,” Dipke told the gathering after the resignation was announced.The student-led agitation, which began over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, has evolved into one of the biggest youth protests witnessed in recent years.With Pradhan stepping down but the protest leadership refusing to call off the agitation, attention has now shifted to whether the government will respond to the remaining demands or whether the movement will continue in the coming days.(With agency inputs)
