Youth Congress activists protest at Jantar Mantar against forceful crackdown at and around Jantar Mantar
New Delhi, Jantar Mantar
Hundreds of Youth Congress activists staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi today, demanding the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah for allegedly ordering a forceful crackdown on agitating students and youths. The demonstrators alleged that directives were issued to the top police officials to lathi charge the protesters, fire tear gas shells and use pellet guns at Jantar Mantar, resulting in injuries to around eighty students and youths.
The protest was part of a larger gathering of thousands of young people who had assembled peacefully at and around Jantar Mantar, including in front of Parliament. Their primary demands were the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the withdrawal of all cases registered against students and youths during the recent agitation, and the immediate release of those detained in various jails and police stations.
According to the protesters, the agitation had continued for several days with a 26-day fast by activist Sonam Wangchuk and a 23-day fast by three students. The situation de-escalated after Union Ministers Jitendra Singh and J.P. Nadda met a two-member delegation of the CJP and categorically assured them that the demands would be fulfilled. Following these assurances, CJP leaders announced the withdrawal of the protest demonstration.
The fasts were also called off on the appeal of actors and activists Shabana Azmi and Prakash Raj. Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day fast, while the three students broke their 23-day fast at their request.
However, Youth Congress workers who gathered at Jantar Mantar today said the use of force against peaceful protesters was unacceptable and held the Home Minister directly responsible. Raising slogans and carrying placards, they demanded accountability for the alleged lathi charge and the use of tear gas and pellet guns, and called for Amit Shah’s resignation.
Delhi Police made security arrangements around Jantar Mantar and Parliament in view of the large gathering. No fresh untoward incident was reported during today’s protest, which concluded after the Youth Congress leaders addressed the crowd and submitted a memorandum reiterating their demands.
