PTC Web Desk:  The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has threatened to restart its agitation and expand it into a nationwide protest, alleging that the BJP-led government has failed to honour commitments made when the organisation called off its 49-day protest last month.

The warning was issued on Monday during a joint press conference attended by CJP representatives and Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Kapil Sibal.

The organisation had ended its agitation on July 25 following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. However, the CJP now claims that police action against students and other protesters has continued despite assurances given during talks with the Centre.

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CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the organisation would consider restarting its protests if it does not receive a written copy of the commitments agreed upon on July 25. According to the CJP, the Centre had agreed to withdraw FIRs registered against protesters and organisers and assured that no new cases would be filed in connection with the agitation.

The organisation also said the agreement included a commitment to provide maximum possible compensation to the families of those who died by suicide in connection with the NEET paper leak controversy.

The CJP further said the government had agreed to consider its five-point proposal for reforms in the examination system.

Allegations of arrests and harassment

The CJP has accused authorities in several states of continuing to arrest and monitor protesters despite the reported agreement.

Earlier on Monday, CJP spokesperson Abhishek Ranka claimed on social media that hundreds of students had been arrested in Bihar and West Bengal. He also alleged that volunteers and supporters in Delhi and other parts of the country were being monitored and harassed.

Ranka demanded the immediate withdrawal of all FIRs registered against protesters. He also called for an assurance that no new cases would be filed by the Delhi Police, central agencies or police forces in BJP-ruled and BJP-allied states.

The allegations have not been independently verified.

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Speaking at the press conference, Saurav Das said the organisation had been concerned that police action would increase after the agitation was suspended.

He claimed the CJP had remained in contact with Kapil Sibal before and after the protest was called off because of fears that individual students could be targeted once the movement lost momentum.

Another CJP member, Ratna Singh, alleged that police cases had increased in several states. She claimed that seven to eight FIRs had been registered in Assam, while 11 persons were arrested in Kolkata. She further claimed that 86 persons had been arrested in Bihar.

The claims could not be independently verified.

CJP launches platform for protesters

The organisation also announced the launch of an online platform called ‘Saakshi’, where protesters can upload photographs and videos that they claim show police action against them.

Kapil Sibal said he would provide legal assistance to protesters facing police action. He also announced a contribution of ?1 crore towards setting up a legal support platform.

Sibal appealed to lawyers across the country to come forward and assist protesters who face legal action.

Sibal alleges facial recognition is being used

Sibal also alleged that the Delhi Police was using facial recognition technology to identify people who participated in the protests. He expressed concern that such identification could result in protesters being singled out or targeted on communal lines.

July 25 truce under pressure

The latest confrontation comes only days after the CJP ended its agitation following three rounds of discussions with Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.

The CJP says the talks resulted in commitments on withdrawing FIRs, avoiding further action against protesters, providing compensation to families of NEET paper leak-related suicide victims and considering its proposed examination reforms.