Concerns Raised Over Arrests of Students in Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar

Concerns from the Cockroach People's Party

New Delhi, July 27 - The Cockroach People's Party (Kozpa) expressed its alarm on Monday regarding reports of students and other protesters being detained or arrested in Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar. This comes despite assurances from the central government that no punitive actions would be taken against those involved in the recent nationwide protests. Kozpa spokesperson Sourav Das shared this statement on 'X' after the organization concluded its 36-day protest. The decision to end the protest was influenced by the government's acceptance of its primary demand for the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, along with assurances from central ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh that peaceful protesters would not face any repercussions.

The movement, which began on June 20 due to alleged irregularities in examinations, escalated into a 26-day hunger strike led by Sonam Wangchuk and was called off following government assurances. On Monday, Kozpa released a statement indicating that it had received numerous reports of students and other protesters being targeted, detained, or arrested by various government agencies, particularly in Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar. The statement emphasized, 'The Cockroach People's Party only withdrew its nationwide protest after the Indian government assured us that no punitive actions would be taken against any protesters in states governed by the BJP or NDA, either now or in the future.'

Consequently, the reports emerging from these states are a matter of grave concern. The party noted that its legal team is coordinating with lawyers in the respective states to secure the release of those detained and provide them with legal assistance. It urged the central government, especially Nadda and Singh, to honor the commitments made during discussions and ensure the release of those in custody, as well as to prevent any 'coercive or retaliatory actions' against protesters nationwide. The statement also called for the withdrawal of any registered FIRs against the protesters.

Kozpa mentioned that the central government had promised to provide a written guarantee on this issue by Tuesday and reminded them to fulfill that promise. The party warned that any violation of this assurance would be 'completely unacceptable' to the youth.