Indian authorities continued their crackdown on protesters in New Delhi as demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) over the NEET-2026 paper leak entered the second day, with fresh clashes erupting after midnight in Connaught Place. According to Kashmir Medi Service, confrontations broke out near Connaught Place and Janpath after a large number of protesters defied heavy security restrictions.

Reports said Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel came under attack during the unrest, while a police vehicle was allegedly damaged in stone-pelting. Security forces responded by tightening the cordon around key areas of the capital. The protests, which began with demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the examination paper leak scandal, have turned into one of the biggest anti-government mobilisations in recent months, drawing thousands of students and youth to the streets despite a massive deployment of police and paramilitary personnel.

As public anger mounted, Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence, saying those responsible for the paper leak would face the “strongest possible punishment” and calling for foolproof mechanisms to prevent such incidents. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, meanwhile, rejected opposition criticism and accused the Congress party of exploiting students for political purposes.

Amid the continuing agitation, CJP leaders appealed to supporters to refrain from raising “Aazadi” slogans during demonstrations and instead chant patriotic slogans. The protest movement has also attracted international attention. Demonstrations in support of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who remains at the centre of the campaign against the examination irregularities, were held in New York and San Jose by members of the Indian diaspora

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)