CJP announces September 5 protest march in Delhi, accuses Centre of backtracking

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Monday (August 24) announced a peaceful protest march in New Delhi on September 5. The satirical outfit accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of backtracking on its commitments made to the youth on July 25, following which its earlier nationwide protest was withdrawn.

September 5 march in Delhi

The march will commence from India Gate and proceed towards the Delhi Police headquarters. It will be led by the families of deceased NEET victims and victims of police brutality, stated the CJP, adding that students, youth organisations and young citizens from across the country are expected to take part.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the CJP’s National Working Committee, which reviewed the Centre’s and BJP/NDA-ruled states’ compliance with assurances made before the earlier nationwide protests were withdrawn in “good faith”.

The CJP alleged that the Centre had delayed action on issues including the withdrawal of FIRs registered against students and protesters.

CJP questions Centre's assurances

Elaborating further, it stated that its National Working Committee had expressed doubts over whether the Centre intended to honour its word. According to the outfit, the government had delayed action for a month and avoided giving clear assurances on the issue, including before the Supreme Court.

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“On 18 August, the Supreme Court repeatedly asked the Union Government to provide a list of FIRS registered across the country so that the Court could consider quashing them together, at one go, making the commitment easiest to fulfil. Yet, the Government refused to give a clear commitment to do so. The written assurance from the Government to the CJP is also due. This cannot continue,” stated the CJP.

Protest over alleged delay

The outfit further stated that it had returned to the streets after the Centre allegedly failed to act on assurances that had led to the withdrawal of its nationwide movement.

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“On 25 July, solemn promises were made publicly at a joint press conference,” stated the CJP, adding that the youth had trusted those promises and withdrawn the nationwide movement in good faith.

“We have been forced to return to the streets because the Government appears determined to commit a 'vishwasghaat' with Gen-Z, the young generation of this country, and the families who have already lost their children,” it added.

Victims' families to lead the march

The outfit has appealed to students, youth organisations and student organisations to gather at India Gate on September 5 and join the march peacefully.

“The families who lost their children will walk at the front,” CJP said.

“The Government must honour its word. Our patience must not be mistaken for weakness,” it added, urging the Centre to honour the July 25 assurances “in letter and in spirit”.