New Delhi's iconic commercial hub, Connaught Place (CP), was forced into an early shutdown today, July 23, with all shops, offices, and restaurants directed to close by 6:30 PM. This urgent directive came via an advisory from the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA), citing the need to prevent property loss and injury amid intensifying NEET student protests.
The shutdown coincides with significant security measures implemented around Jantar Mantar, the primary site for the ongoing demonstrations. Authorities restricted all mobile internet services within a 1.5-km radius of Jantar Mantar until midnight on July 23. Additionally, Section 163, which restricts public assembly, was imposed outside the residence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Protests Escalate Over NEET Paper Leak
The student protests, now in their 34th day, are demanding action over alleged paper leaks in the NEET examination. The crisis has seen a complete deadlock in talks between the protesting organization, the CJP, and the Central government, despite the Centre reportedly initiating contact four times without a response.
Earlier, tensions flared when tens of thousands of CJP-led student protesters attempted a march toward Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session. The demonstration resulted in violent clashes with Delhi Police, who deployed tear gas and baton charges against the young demonstrators, leading to numerous injuries among both protesters and officers.
Political Reactions and Failed Negotiations
Opposition Members of Parliament and leaders from the INDIA alliance gathered at Gandhi Smriti on Tees January Marg today to express solidarity with the protesters and denounce the government's handling of the situation. The CJP, represented by spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, met Union Minister JP Nadda on July 21 to present their demands. While Nadda described the meeting as "cordial," there was disagreement over who initiated the dialogue, with Nadda claiming the proposal came from the protesters.
The momentum behind the CJP-led movement was significantly galvanized following the widely condemned incident over the weekend where activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly removed and hospitalized by police, further fueling public anger against the administration's tactics.