The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has warned that it will resume protests from Tuesday if the Centre does not withdraw cases filed against demonstrators and stop further police action against students involved in the nationwide agitation.

The Abhijeet Dipke-led movement, which began as a satirical campaign and later evolved into a nationwide protest over alleged examination irregularities, had ended its 37-day sit-in at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the weekend following discussions with the government.

According to the organisation, the protest was withdrawn in “good faith” after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, one of the group’s key demands.

CJP alleges breach of assurances

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka alleged that authorities had failed to honour assurances made during negotiations by continuing police action against protesters.

In a post on X, he claimed that hundreds of students had been arrested in Bihar and West Bengal, while volunteers and protesters in Delhi and other states were facing surveillance and harassment.

Ranka urged senior ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, who represented the government during the talks, to ensure that all FIRs registered against protesters are withdrawn and that no fresh cases are filed by Delhi Police, central investigative agencies or police forces in BJP-allied states.

He also sought a written copy of the understanding reached during the negotiations regarding legal action against protesters.

Demands raised after talks with Centre

Following the third round of discussions held at the Constitution Club on Saturday, the CJP had said the Centre agreed to provide suitable compensation to the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide and assured that FIRs lodged against protesters across the country would be withdrawn.

The organisation had submitted a five-point charter of demands to the government and said another round of talks would be held after four weeks.

One of the group’s major demands was the withdrawal of FIRs registered after the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ march and a commitment that no further legal action would be initiated against protesters.

Police action and Parliament debate

Several FIRs were filed following clashes during the July 20 protest near Parliament after demonstrators attempted to march from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament.

Police used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd, leading to clashes and multiple detentions.

On Monday, the issue echoed in Parliament as Opposition members repeatedly demanded a government response over the police crackdown on protesters.

Meanwhile, despite disruptions in the House, the government introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha proposing stricter penalties for examination paper leaks.

India has summoned the Ukrainian Ambassador after two merchant vessels carrying Indian crew were attacked in the Black Sea, raising concerns over the safety of Indians working in the conflict zone.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the incidents as a matter of serious concerns and conveyed India’s position directly to the Ukrainian envoy.

According to the MEA, the attacks took place amid the ongoing Russia-Ukrainian war, where commercial shipping has increasingly come under threat due to military operations. Although no deaths have been reported, several Indian seafarers were on board the affected vessels, prompting the government to seek immediate clarification from Ukraine and stress the need to ensure their safety.

During the meeting, the MEA reiterated that merchant ships engaged in commercial trade and civilian crew members must not become targets during armed conflict. India urged Ukraine to take all possible steps to prevent such incidents and to uphold international maritime law, which protects civilian shipping operating in international waters.

The ministry said it is in constant contact with Indian missions abroad, shipping companies, and maritime authorities to monitor the condition of Indian crew members. Officials have assured that diplomatic and consular assistance for the crew.

The attack have once again highlighted the dangers faced by thousands of Indian seafarers employed on international cargo vessels operating in conflict-affected regions. The continuing war has disrupted shipping routes in the Black Sea, creating risks for commercial trade and the safety of multinational crews.

The latest diplomatic move reflects India’s consistent position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While maintaining relations with both countries, India has repeatedly called for dialogue, a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and the protection of civilians and commercial vessels under international law.

The Delhi-Haridwar highway will be closed for all vehicular traffic from August 4 to August 12 to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the Kanwar Yatra.

The decision was jointly taken by Delhi Police, Uttar Pradesh Police and Uttarakhand Police after assessing security arrangements and traffic management plans.

The restrictions have been imposed as lakhs of Kanwariyas are expected to travel to collect water from the Ganga in Haridwar and other pilgrimage centres before returning to their hometowns.

Traffic restrictions on key stretches of the highway will impact most private and commercial vehicles. Emergency vehicles including ambulances, fire services and police vehicles will be allowed to operate. The authorities have issued diversion plans for vehicles moving from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and adjoining states.  

The restrictions are necessary, officials said, because of the huge number of pilgrims. The objective is to ease traffic congestion, avoid accidents and ensure safe movement of devotees. 

Police have advised commuters to avoid the Delhi-Haridwar route during the restricted period and to use alternate highways wherever possible. According to the traffic advisory, transport operators have been asked to change their travel schedules. The route will have extra police, traffic wardens and surveillance teams to monitor the movement of vehicles and control the crowds.                               

The Kanwar Yatra is one of the biggest annual religious pilgrimages in North India that draws lakhs of devotees from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab and other states. Every year, special traffic arrangements are made to manage the huge inflow of pilgrims travelling on foot and in designated vehicles.

Officials are busy making last minute preparations for the yatra, including security checks, medical camps, temporary shelters and help centres along the route. Commuters are advised to follow official traffic advice and plan journeys in advance to avoid delays. The restrictions will continue till August 12, after which normal movement of traffic is likely to resume on the Delhi–Haridwar highway.