Sonam Wangchuk Offers to End 25-Day Fast, But Sets One Key Condition; Delhi HC Steps In After Protest Clash

New Delhi: In a significant development surrounding the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has expressed his willingness to end his 25-day hunger strike, provided the Central Government guarantees that no punitive action will be taken against protesters involved in the movement.

Wangchuk, who has become one of the prominent faces of the agitation over the NEET paper leak controversy, said he would also request students to suspend their protest if such an assurance is formally given. His remarks come at a time when tensions between protesters and the administration continue to dominate national attention.

The protest movement gained momentum earlier this week when thousands of demonstrators assembled at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar for the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march, demanding accountability over the alleged examination irregularities and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. However, the march towards Parliament was stopped amid heavy security deployment, leading to clashes between protesters and the police.

As the crowd attempted to move beyond the permitted area during the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, police used lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the gathering. The incident sparked widespread debate, with opposition groups accusing the authorities of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.

Adding a legal dimension to the controversy, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Central Government and the Delhi Police on petitions demanding an independent investigation into the alleged use of excessive force during the protest.

The petitions call for the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the actions taken by law enforcement officials. During the hearing, lawyers representing the petitioners alleged that peaceful protesters were subjected to force without adequate warning. They also urged the court to examine allegations that a senior police officer physically assaulted a woman who was reportedly standing on the sidelines during the protest.

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The Delhi Police, however, rejected these allegations, maintaining that the demonstration turned violent after initially beginning peacefully. According to the police, several personnel were injured during the confrontation, and video footage allegedly shows members of the crowd throwing stones and engaging in violent behaviour.

Police officials argued before the court that force became necessary only after the situation escalated and public safety was threatened. They insisted that violence against security personnel could not be overlooked.

Meanwhile, signs of possible dialogue have emerged between the protesters and the government. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has publicly stated that it is ready to hold discussions with the Centre, although it has insisted that the meeting should take place at a neutral venue rather than at a government office or minister’s residence.

Senior CJP leader Das said the organisation has remained open to negotiations since the beginning of the protest and suggested that the Constitution Club of India could serve as a suitable location for talks. He also acknowledged that holding discussions at Jantar Mantar might present security challenges if senior ministers were to visit the protest site.

Earlier, party spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka confirmed that the organisation had received communication regarding possible talks. Reports indicate that Union Minister JP Nadda is expected to meet representatives of the CJP delegation in an effort to find a way forward.

With the Delhi High Court monitoring allegations surrounding the police action and the government exploring dialogue with protest leaders, the coming days are likely to determine whether the prolonged agitation moves toward a negotiated settlement or continues to intensify.