CJP Protest LIVE: ‘Pradhan’s resignation non-negotiable’; heavy security at Jantar Mantar; 16 metro stations closed

CJP Protest LIVE: Security deployment has been beefed up at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continued its protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy.

The demonstrations intensified after fresh clashes were reported near Sansad Marg on Wednesday following a face off between protesting students and Delhi Police personnel, as per media reports.

‘Pradhan's resignation is non-negotiable’

CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das has termed the resignation of Pradhan as "non-negotiable", adding that the protest would continue until the demand was met, news agency ANI reported.

Das further said he had spoken to Sonam Wangchuk and they agreed the protest should remain peaceful.

"I spoke with Sonam Wangchuk several times today. The conclusion was that this protest should remain peaceful. He has also publicly appealed to all protesters to maintain peace and conduct this protest in the right manner. He has also publicly appealed to all protesters to maintain peace and conduct this protest in the right manner," Das was quoted as saying by ANI.

Heavy security after fresh violence

A Delhi Police officer was injured in fresh violence in Connaught Place on Wednesday as some miscreants attacked police with stones and bottles, ANI reported, citing officials.

According to Delhi Police, at around 8:30 pm, near Tolstoy Marg in Connaught Place, some miscreants attacked the police with stones and bottles, injuring ACP Connaught Place Vivek Bhagat, the report added.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has reiterated his demand for assurance of no legal action against protesters as a condition to break his 25-day-long hunger strike.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Wednesday said that the issue of paper leaks should not be politicised and it is a serious problem which requires in-depth discussion, ANI reported.

Nadda, who is Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, said that the government is ready to discuss all aspects of the NEET-UG paper leak in Parliament.

Addressing a press conference, he said the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "responsible and responsive", the ANI report added.

"We should move beyond blame and counter-allegations and discuss this. The best medium for discussion is Parliament, and we are ready for that discussion. Let there be a thorough discussion, delving into the details through in-depth discussion. What are the factors leading to the paper leak? Who are the people involved, and how has the Central Government responded?"he asked.

"How have we addressed this issue when a paper leak has come to our attention, and how should other governments address it? What is the point we should deeply consider and find a solution to so that injustice is not done to our students, numbering in the millions?" he added.

Delhi Metro on Thursday (July 23) announced the temporary closure of 16 metro stations until further instructions as a precautionary measure. While entry and exit at these stations will remain suspended, passengers will still be able to use interchange facilities at some key stations.

Below mentioned metro stations will be closed from 07:30 AM on July 23 till further instructions. However, Interchange facility shall remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat.

4. Ramakrishna Ashram Marg