India, June 23 -- A makeshift "free library", candlelight tributes and slogans demanding accountability in examination administration marked the third day of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar on Monday, where demonstrators continued their agitation over alleged examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak controversy. What distinguished the protest from conventional demonstrations was the creation of a community-run library at the site. Protesters gathered around book stalls browsing titles spanning biographies, anthropology, history, law and civil rights. Organisers said more than 100 books had been collectively contributed by students and supporters from their personal collections. Also Read - ED raids Delhi nightclub owner, others in 2021 Mundra port drugs seizure case Student leaders associated with the protest said access to education and literacy must remain central to conversations on reforming the examination system. The sit-in, which began on Saturday, continued overnight with participants remaining at the venue amid police deployment and barricading around the protest area. Volunteers distributed food packets, water and basic supplies to demonstrators spending nights at the site. Among those acknowledged by organisers was volunteer Mohd Junaid from Ghaziabad, who, helped distribute juice packets, snacks and mosquito repellent to students at the venue. Protesters also highlighted participation across communities, with volunteers from different regions working together and describing the movement as one representing students rather than religious identities. Also Read - CM Gupta: New Jan 2025 cut-off expands rehabilitation coverage CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke reiterated demands including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, restructuring of examination governance and an independent judicial inquiry into alleged irregularities in national examinations. Protesters also called for decentralisation of examinations and changes in evaluation practices. The demonstration included speeches, patriotic songs and cultural performances, while organisers claimed participation increased through the day. A candle march was also organised in memory of NEET aspirants whose deaths were linked by protesters to examination-related distress. Protesters alleged that candles initially collected at the venue entrance were later returned and the march was allowed to proceed. The CJP said the agitation would continue until its demands receive a response.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.