Delhi on High Alert Ahead of CJP’s ‘Chalo Parliament’ March; Abhijeet Dipke Ends Hunger Strike

Delhi Police has been placed on high alert ahead of Parliament’s Monsoon Session and the proposed "Chalo Parliament" march announced by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Heavy security deployment has been made around Jantar Mantar, Parliament, and other key locations across the national capital. Authorities have enforced prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the New Delhi district, prohibiting gatherings of more than five people without prior permission. The move comes after CJP announced a march to Parliament demanding action over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Earlier, Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi), Sachin Sharma, stated that no permission had been sought or granted for any protest, procession, or march planned by CJP on July 20. Police also reiterated that, except for the designated protest site at Jantar Mantar, no gathering of five or more persons would be permitted without prior approval. To maintain law and order, Delhi Police has strengthened security arrangements by deploying additional personnel, reinforcing barricades, and increasing vehicle checks at major entry points. Police sources said every vehicle entering the New Delhi district is being thoroughly inspected, while additional checkpoints have been established at sensitive locations. Reserve forces remain on standby, and CCTV surveillance has been intensified across key areas. According to police sources, a three-tier security arrangement has been implemented around Jantar Mantar and adjoining areas. Two security rings comprise Delhi Police personnel, while an outer layer is manned by paramilitary forces. The enhanced security measures will remain in force round the clock. Authorities have also introduced multi-layered security around Parliament to prevent demonstrators from entering restricted zones. Parliament's main gates have been secured, while fire tenders and emergency water response vehicles have been stationed inside the complex as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile, CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke ended his hunger strike following an appeal by Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk had urged all those observing fasts to end their protests and conserve their energy for the upcoming Parliament march. Dipke broke his fast by drinking juice offered by the father of Riya, a NEET aspirant from Dehradun who died by suicide last month. Currently admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, Sonam Wangchuk has also written to the hospital administration requesting temporary permission to participate in the "Chalo Parliament" march. In his letter to the hospital's Medical Superintendent, Wangchuk stated that he was feeling much better and that his health parameters were normal, requesting permission to leave the hospital for a short duration to join the march. Delhi Police also rejected reports circulating in sections of the media alleging violence or detentions at Jantar Mantar. The force said the protest was being handled professionally and urged the public not to pay attention to rumours or misinformation. However, this statement came after some protesters reportedly clashed with Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, following which police resorted to baton charges to disperse the crowd. Separately, three leaders of the All India Students' Association (AISA)—Neha, Manish, and Ameen—ended their indefinite hunger strike after 23 days. The decision came following appeals from opposition Members of Parliament, social activists, and other prominent personalities. AISA clarified that while the hunger strike had concluded, its movement would continue, announcing a month-long nationwide campaign against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the National Testing Agency (NTA), and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said the administration had initiated contact with the protesters to begin dialogue. He stated that the party remained willing to hold discussions and was awaiting the government's response, adding that the administration had approached them later than expected but that CJP was open to negotiations. Ahead of the proposed march, DCP Sachin Sharma also met representatives of the protesting group at Jantar Mantar, while police maintained heavy deployment across the protest venue. CJP further claimed that the government had contacted the organisation for the first time amid the ongoing demonstrations. At the same time, an AISA representative said a delegation might visit the students' protest site to discuss the ongoing agitation. Mobile internet services around Jantar Mantar were reported to be disrupted, with reports suggesting that signal jammers had been deployed in the area. Earlier in the day, a large group of CJP supporters and members of the public marched from Janpath Tibetan Market toward Jantar Mantar, where protesters had gathered ahead of the proposed march to Parliament. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), citing security concerns, initially closed Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, and Seva Teerth Metro stations. Later, Rajiv Chowk and Central Secretariat stations were reopened, while Janpath, Patel Chowk, and Seva Teerth stations remain closed until further notice.