NEW DELHI: The CJP Parliament March: 5 Delhi Metro Stations Closed Amid Protests; Sonam Wangchuk Firm on Fast Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Monday closed five major metro stations until further notice due to security concerns stemming from a protest march by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
The affected stations include Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, and Sewa Teerth. The CJP has called for a ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on Monday, coinciding with the first day of the Parliament’s Monsoon Session, to demand reforms in the education sector. DMRC announced the closures in a post on the social media platform X, advising commuters to check traffic updates.
Delhi Police has stepped up security across the national capital, deploying heavy personnel around Jantar Mantar, Parliament, and other key locations. Officials stated that no permission was granted for the march. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have been imposed in the New Delhi district.
Meanwhile, social media activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently undergoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital, declared that his hunger strike will continue despite the proposed march. Wangchuk stated he would only end his fast if the government accepts responsibility for recent failures in the education system, such as paper leaks, by July 20.
Alternatively, the activist said he would call off his protest if the CJP leadership reaches the Parliament gates and receives assurances from Members of Parliament across political parties that the issue will be raised in the house. Wangchuk added that if health issues prevent him from reaching Parliament, political leaders could visit him at the hospital to provide the same assurance.
Wangchuk also alleged that he is being held under illegal detention at Safdarjung Hospital, claiming his freedom of movement, expression, and communication has been restricted.
His wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, echoed his stance on Saturday, urging supporters joining the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march to maintain peace and ensure the movement is not misused.
Wangchuk had launched an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on June 28 in support of the movement led by CJP founder Abhijit Deepke. Following a 21-day fast, Delhi Police moved him from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital on the morning of July 18 due to deteriorating health. While supporters alleged he was forcibly removed and mistreated, Delhi Police maintained that his hospitalization was purely on medical grounds.
