Left-backed student groups protest at Jantar Mantar, vow to return if CJP issues fresh call

Student organisations affiliated with Left parties staged a protest at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, demanding the release of detained students, an end to what they described as the criminalisation of student activism, and accountability for alleged police excesses during recent demonstrations.

The protest, organised under the slogan "Student-Youth Unity; Long Live," brought together members of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU), All India Students' Association (AISA), Students' Federation of India (SFI), Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS) and several other student groups.

The demonstration came after weeks of student-led protests over education-related issues, with organisers asserting that the movement would continue if the CJP issued another call for mobilisation.

Protesters demand release of detained students

Addressing the gathering, student leaders raised slogans demanding an immediate halt to student arrests and what they called the criminalisation of peaceful protests.

One participant associated with the DISHA organisation said students were prepared to return to Jantar Mantar if the CJP announced another protest.

"If the CJP gives a call even today, students will return to Jantar Mantar. The movement can still be revived," the speaker said.

Protesters also carried placards calling for action against police personnel over alleged use of force during demonstrations held on July 20, with one banner demanding punishment for those responsible for police brutality.

Student groups allege crackdown across states

Leaders from participating organisations alleged that students involved in the protests had faced arrests and restrictions in multiple states, including Bihar and West Bengal. They also claimed that social media accounts linked to the movement had been blocked, describing the measures as an attempt to suppress student voices.

A representative of the Krantikari Yuva Sangathan expressed solidarity with those detained and injured during the protests, assuring them that student organisations across the country would continue to support their cause.

Allegations of violence during protests

During the protest, members of AISA alleged that more than 300 students were arrested in Bihar during recent demonstrations and claimed that several protesters sustained injuries during police action.

Some speakers also alleged that four students were injured after being shot near AIIMS Patna, with two reportedly requiring major surgeries. These claims were made by protest organisers during the demonstration. Independent official confirmation of the allegations was not immediately available.

Movement likely to continue

The protesters concluded the demonstration by reiterating their demands for the release of detained students, an end to police action against student activists and greater protection for the right to peaceful protest.

Organisers indicated that they would continue mobilising students and return to Jantar Mantar if a fresh call for demonstrations is issued in the coming days.