New Delhi, July 23: Authorities extended an internet blackout across key areas of the national capital through midnight as security forces confronted ongoing demonstrations linked to student exam controversy protests. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation suspended operations at 16 central stations to regulate crowd movement, leaving major hubs restricted as police contingents fortified perimeter barricades around Sansad Marg and Jantar Mantar.
The heightened security presence follows clashes that saw tear gas deployed and stone-pelting reported, resulting in injuries to five police officials, including two ACPs and an inspector.
Addressing media representatives, Cockroach Janta Party spokesperson Saurav Das maintained that the movement would persist until their primary governance demand is met.
“Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation is non-negotiable. Without this, the protest will continue,” Saurav Das declared.
He stated that discussions with fasting climate activist Sonam Wangchuk confirmed that organizational efforts would focus on peaceful assembly.
Concurrently, activist Sonam Wangchuk indicated from hospital care that union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh had expressed willingness to consider parliamentary discussions on paper leaks and student welfare measures. However, he declared that ending his hunger strike remains contingent on absolute assurances against legal retaliation against participating students.
Meanwhile, parliamentary Opposition members wearing black attire staged demonstrations, refusing legislative debates until administrative responsibility is fixed.
“There will be no discussion on the issue till the education minister resigns…It cannot be a fair discussion till he resigns,” Mallikarjun Kharge affirmed.
Government officials countered that dialogue avenues remain open, cautioning that altering conditions impedes potential resolution while security personnel maintain tight cordons across the capital.
