CJP flags detention of protesters in states, urges Centre to honour assurance

The outfit said its legal team is coordinating with lawyers in concerned states to secure the release of those detained and provide legal assistance.

Published - July 27, 2026 03:59 pm IST - New Delhi PTI

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Monday (July 27, 2026) expressed concern over reports that students and other protestors were being detained or arrested in Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar — despite the Centre's assurance that no punitive action would be taken against those who participated in the recent nationwide agitation.

The statement, shared on X by CJP spokesperson Saurav Das, comes days after the outfit called off its 36-day protest following the Centre's acceptance of its principal demand: the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Union ministers J. P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh had assured that no action would be taken against peaceful protesters.

The agitation, which began on June 20 over examination irregularities, culminated in a 26-day hunger strike by Sonam Wangchuk before it was withdrawn after the government's assurances.

Reports of Detentions

In the statement issued Monday, the CJP said it had received "multiple reports" of students and other protestors being "targeted, detained, or arrested by various state agencies," particularly in Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar.

"The Cockroach Janta Party had called off its nationwide protest only after the Government of India assured us that no punitive action would be taken against any protestor, either now or in the future, in any BJP-ruled or NDA-ruled states. The reports emerging from these states are therefore a matter of grave concern."

Legal Coordination and Demands

The outfit said its legal team is coordinating with lawyers in the concerned states to secure the release of those detained and provide legal assistance.

It urged the Centre — particularly Mr. Nadda and Mr. Singh — to honour the assurance given during the negotiations by:

• Ensuring the release of those detained
• Preventing any "coercive or retaliatory action" against protestors anywhere in the country

"The FIRs registered ought to be withdrawn too," the statement said.

Written Guarantee Sought

The CJP noted that the Centre had committed to providing a written guarantee on the issue by Tuesday (July 28) and reminded it to honour that commitment.

"Our decision to suspend the nationwide protest was taken in good faith and solely on the basis of the government's assurance that it would stand by its word. Any departure from that assurance would not merely amount to a breach of trust with the Cockroach Janta Party but would also be a breach of public trust with lakhs of young Indians who chose dialogue over protests."

Warning of Further Action

Warning that any breach of the assurance would be "completely unacceptable to the youth," the CJP demanded that all detainees be released and all FIRs withdrawn immediately, failing which it would "take further necessary steps."

Published - July 27, 2026 03:59 pm IST