New Delhi: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Saturday announced the withdrawal of its prolonged protest at Jantar Mantar after the Centre accepted its key demands following the third round of talks between government representatives and the student-led organisation.
The decision was announced during a joint press conference addressed by Union Ministers Jitendra Singh and J.P. Nadda along with CJP leaders. The development brings to an end several days of demonstrations over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET-UG controversy.
Three rounds of talks lead to breakthrough
Addressing the media, CJP national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the organisation had held three rounds of discussions with the Centre before reaching an agreement.
He said the protest had three primary demands: the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, withdrawal of all FIRs registered against protesters and organisers, and assurance that no fresh cases would be filed in connection with the agitation.
Ranka noted that the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan fulfilled the first demand raised by the protesters.
Centre agrees to withdraw FIRs
CJP leader Saurav Das said the Centre had also agreed to withdraw FIRs filed against protesters, not only in Delhi but also in BJP-ruled and BJP-allied states.
According to him, the government assured the organisation that copies of all FIRs would be shared within three to four days. He said the government had also committed to initiating the withdrawal process at the earliest.
Das added that the CJP had submitted a draft seeking written guarantees regarding the withdrawal of cases and protection against future legal action arising from the protests.
He said the Centre had assured the organisation that a written response would be provided by Tuesday.
Compensation demand accepted
Ranka said the third demand related to compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of those who allegedly lost their loved ones following the NEET examination controversy.
According to the CJP, the government agreed to the demands discussed during the negotiations, paving the way for the conclusion of the protest.
The Centre has not yet issued a detailed statement outlining the implementation timeline for each commitment announced during the joint press conference.
Protesters asked to return peacefully
Following the announcement, Ranka appealed to demonstrators gathered at Jantar Mantar to immediately withdraw the protest and return home peacefully.
He thanked supporters for maintaining a peaceful agitation and said the organisation would announce its future course of action, if required, after receiving the government’s written assurances.
The protest site, which had witnessed continuous demonstrations by students and supporters demanding reforms in the examination system, began dispersing after the announcement.
Movement concludes after weeks of demonstrations
The CJP-led agitation had drawn nationwide attention, with students and supporters demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and seeking reforms in the National Testing Agency’s functioning.
The conclusion of the protest follows negotiations between the Centre and CJP representatives, marking the end of one of the most prominent student-led movements witnessed in recent months.
The implementation of the commitments announced during the talks is expected to be closely monitored in the coming days as protesters await the government’s written assurances.