NEW DELHI: The All India Students’ Association (AISA) has announced its support for the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed September 5 protest march in Delhi. The march aims to secure the withdrawal of First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against students and to demand an inquiry into alleged pellet and bullet firing during previous demonstrations.
AISA President Highlights Unresolved Issues
AISA president Neha Bora stated on Wednesday that the core issues prompting youth mobilization remain unresolved. She emphasized that cases are still pending against students, despite the government’s prior commitment to withdraw them. “The government must fully withdraw all cases,” Bora urged. “There should be an inquiry into the firing of pellets and bullets, and the government must be fully prepared to take accountability for the same.” She added that these student-related cases are a significant unresolved matter.
Background to the Protest
The CJP, led by Abhijeet Dipke, plans to resume peaceful demonstrations after a month-long pause that followed discussions with the Centre. The September 5 march, coinciding with Teachers’ Day, is expected to be led by families of students who died by suicide following the cancellation of the NEET exam and subsequent re-test. Families of those allegedly subjected to police excesses during the July agitation are also anticipated to participate.
Earlier Agitations and Government Promises
The impetus for these protests stems from earlier agitations where students and youth took to the streets over various grievances. AISA’s involvement underscores the continuing student activism around issues of governance and accountability. Neha Bora, who previously participated in a 23-day hunger strike in Delhi over the NEET paper leak issue alongside climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, noted that such protests arise when the government makes dialogue with ordinary citizens difficult. The initial stir was called off on July 25 after the resignation of the then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, which had been a primary demand of the protesters. However, the CJP alleges that the Centre has failed to honor its commitments regarding the withdrawal of FIRs registered against protesters, despite notifications from home departments of several states indicating no action would be taken.
Allegations of Police Action
Concerns about police conduct during previous protests have also been a significant factor. Reports, including those from Amnesty International, have documented the use of what they describe as unlawful and deadly force against peaceful protesters, including the deployment of pellet-firing shotguns and tear gas launchers. Amnesty International’s investigation documented instances of police using weapons against protesters between July 20 and July 24 in Delhi and Bihar. While Delhi Police have publicly denied any disproportionate use of force, Amnesty International’s findings reportedly contradict these claims. An internal CRPF inquiry also reportedly found that personnel had fired metal pellets during the protests, though Delhi Police issued a “Fake News Alert” refuting reports of pellet injuries.
The CJP has stated that its upcoming march is a direct response to the government’s alleged failure to act on its assurances. “This cannot continue. Our patience cannot be mistaken for weakness. Our good faith cannot become an opportunity for the Government to betray us,” a statement from the CJP read.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
