New Delhi:
Students from several Left-affiliated organisations, including the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU), held a protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the release of activists detained during recent demonstrations and an end to what they described as the “criminalisation” of student protests.
Background: The July 20 Crackdown
The protest follows a month-long agitation at Jantar Mantar that culminated on July 20, when thousands of students and young protesters attempted to march toward Parliament demanding the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak issue. Delhi Police used baton charges and tear gas to stop the march, and dismantled the protest site, including tents where activists — supporting a hunger strike led by activist Sonam Wangchuk — had been camped for nearly a month. Wangchuk was later shifted to hospital on the orders of the Delhi High Court for medical care. Dharmendra Pradhan subsequently resigned as Union Education Minister.
Protesters Rebuild the Site
Protesters returned to Jantar Mantar within hours of the crackdown, rebuilding the stage and tents that police had dismantled. Organisers said the demonstration would continue despite the police action, framing the crackdown as evidence of the movement’s impact.
Latest Protest Demands Accountability
Protesting under the banner “Student-Youth Unity; Long Live,” demonstrators at the latest gathering carried placards demanding action against police personnel involved in the use of force during the July 20 march, including one reading “Punish the policemen responsible for the brutality on 20th July.” Student leaders alleged that participants in the protests were being targeted by authorities and claimed several social media accounts linked to the movement had been blocked.
Police and Government Response
Delhi Police have maintained that their actions on July 20 were necessary to maintain law and order after protesters defied orders to disperse. The government has said it remains willing to discuss the students’ concerns without preconditions, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the creation of fast-track courts to expedite paper leak cases following the protests.
Wider Political and Solidarity Response
The crackdown drew reactions beyond Delhi, with the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) holding solidarity protests across Kerala and the Kerala Students Union (KSU) observing an educational bandh. Both houses of Parliament faced repeated adjournments during the Monsoon Session amid the political standoff over the issue.
Note: This report is based on statements from student organisations, police, and news agency reports available at the time of publication. The situation continues to evolve.
