New Delhi, July 18: Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke declared an indefinite hunger strike on Saturday at Jantar Mantar, stepping in to continue the protest after security forces relocated climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to a medical facility. The announcement triggered renewed activity at the demonstration site, where left-wing student organisations quickly gathered to support the ongoing agitation regarding national examination administration.
The transition in leadership occurred as security personnel worked to clear the venue following Wangchuk’s twenty-day fast. Left-wing student groups, including the All India Students Federation (AISF), the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), and the All India Students’ Association (AISA), joined the venue in solidarity, forming physical barriers to shield remaining hunger strikers from administrative dispersal.
Addressing the gathered crowd from the platform, Dipke urged supporters to maintain their presence ahead of a planned demonstration early next week.
“I am commencing my indefinite hunger strike starting today. I appeal to everyone: do not back down. This movement will only grow larger. They have made a grave mistake. I urge everyone to come to Jantar Mantar. Our movement will continue from here, and we will proceed with our march scheduled for July 20th,” the CJP founder declared.
The administrative measures at the protest ground drew responses from various political circles, with several opposition leaders expressing concern over the handling of the peaceful assembly. Meanwhile, security officials maintained that their actions were strictly focused on health mandates and public order.
New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma affirmed in an official statement that the primary objective remained the safety of the participants, noting that legal health orders were being followed.
“While complying with the orders of the Hon’ble High Court, the protestors tried to create obstruction, in which a slight commotion ensued; however, police took maximum restraint and undertook the exercise safely,” Sharma stated, adding an appeal for the remaining assembly to peacefully vacate the venue.
Despite the heightened security presence, volunteers, including researchers from Jawaharlal Nehru University, maintained their positions, insisting that their scheduled march toward Parliament would proceed as planned.
