Image source, Sanjeev Verma/Hindustan Times via Getty Images
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Abhijit Deepke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), has issued an apology to his supporters.
Deepke apologized for not making better efforts to protect protesters from actions taken by the Delhi Police.
On Monday, the CJP attempted to march towards the Indian Parliament building in Delhi. Thousands of supporters had gathered at Jantar Mantar, where the police responded in some areas with baton charges and tear gas against the demonstrators.
“I apologize to all my supporters, especially the young women who were brutally beaten by male police officers. We could have done better. I could have done more to protect you from the inhumane actions of the Delhi Police,” he wrote on the social media platform X.
“The government was willing to shed more youth blood to protect Dharmendra Pradhan, responsible for the deaths of 21 students. If you were injured and are reading this, please message me directly; I want to personally speak to you and apologize.”
Why the CJP is Protesting
Image source, Kabir Jhangiani/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Thousands of students, parents, activists, and leaders gathered at Jantar Mantar demanding reforms to India’s education system.
Tensions escalated after campaigner and educationist Sonam Wangchuk, fasting for 21 days, was forcibly taken to hospital on Saturday. He continues his hunger strike in the hospital.
Although called a party, the CJP is not a registered political organization. It began as an online satirical movement last May, protesting exam irregularities including question paper leaks.
Since then, the CJP has gained significant support, demanding that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan take responsibility for education sector irregularities and resign.
However, Pradhan has criticized the CJP and its supporters as a “B-team of rowdy elements.”
‘The Struggle Continues’
Image source, Sanjeev Verma/Hindustan Times via Getty Images
Deepke announced his party will continue the ongoing struggle.
Many protesters were injured during Monday’s demonstrations.
Abhijit Deepke has met with many of those injured.
Numerous videos and photos showing police use of force—including baton charges and tear gas against protesters—have circulated publicly.
However, both police and protesters have offered conflicting accounts of the events.
The CJP claimed that Delhi Police vandalized their protest site at Jantar Mantar and removed their stage.
According to the CJP’s post on X, “The police seized the protest stage, destroyed and removed all equipment. Only a picture of Babasaheb Ambedkar, a copy of the Indian Constitution, Shri Ramcharitmanas, the Bible, and a small statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar were saved from major conflict. Today, India is facing an extremely brutal attack.”
The CJP also shared a photo showing scattered belongings on their dismantled stage.
Image source, X/Cockroachisback
Sonam Wangchuk Continues Hunger Strike
Image source, Vipin Kumar/Hindustan Times via Getty Images
Sonam Wangchuk, admitted to the hospital since 17 July, has declared he will continue his hunger strike.
According to India’s Ministry of Health, Wangchuk’s blood sugar levels have dropped, but other vital signs remain stable. He is under close supervision of specialist doctors.
He said the “cruel treatment” by police towards “nonviolent protesters” compelled him to make this decision.
On Monday, he posted a photo of a handwritten message on X.
He stated he will continue until young leaders are allowed to meet him in the hospital or at the Parliament building.
He expressed gratitude towards supporters who gathered for the parliamentary march and hopes for continued support in the future.
Earlier, from the CJP stage, Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Dr. Geetanjali Angmo, had announced that the hunger strike would end if opposition leaders and parliamentarians assured her in the hospital that they would raise the demands in Parliament.
On Monday, after the start of the parliamentary march, three students ended their hunger strike. Several hours later, Abhijit Deepke also concluded his fast.
Human Rights Organization Expresses Concern
Image source, CJP
Human Rights Watch has expressed concern over the police baton charges and use of tear gas during the CJP protests.
HRW has appealed to Indian authorities to investigate the police response and protect protesters’ rights.
Minakshi Ganguly, HRW’s Deputy Asia Director, said, “There should be an investigation into allegations that security forces used batons and tear gas to remove thousands of students protesting in Delhi.”
She emphasized the need for authorities to exercise restraint and ensure the right to peaceful assembly.
