New Delhi: Members of several left-wing student organisations, including the All India Students Federation (AISF), Students’ Federation of India (SFI), and All India Students’ Association (AISA), joined a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday as demonstrations intensified following the hospitalisation of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.

The protesters, led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak issue. Demonstrators raised slogans and carried placards, while Delhi Police maintained a heavy security presence at the protest site.

CJP founder launches indefinite hunger strike

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced an indefinite hunger strike after Delhi Police shifted Sonam Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital on the 21st day of his fast, citing concerns over his deteriorating health.

Addressing supporters at Jantar Mantar, Dipke urged protesters to continue the movement and asked people to gather at the protest site ahead of the proposed march to Parliament on July 20.

The development came after Delhi Police began clearing parts of the protest site following Wangchuk’s transfer to the hospital.

Police cite court order and medical advice

According to Delhi Police, Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital in compliance with the directions of the Delhi High Court and on the advice of medical experts due to his worsening health condition.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma said that while carrying out the hospital transfer, some protesters attempted to obstruct the police, leading to a brief commotion. However, he said the situation was handled with restraint and the operation was completed safely.

Police also appealed to protesters to peacefully vacate Jantar Mantar.

Student activists form human chain; Opposition criticises police action

As police moved to clear the protest site, student activists formed a human chain to prevent the removal of fellow protesters, including JNU PhD scholar Neha Bora, who is also on a hunger strike.

The police action drew criticism from several Opposition leaders. Aam Aadmi Party leaders Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the Centre of suppressing peaceful protests. Trinamool Congress leader Sagarika Ghose and Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav also criticised the action taken against the protesters.

The protest is expected to continue in the run-up to the proposed Parliament march scheduled for July 20, with organisers asserting that their agitation will continue despite Wangchuk’s hospitalisation.