No breakthrough in NEET protests as CJP rejects fresh talks with Centre: Report

The deadlock over the NEET paper leak protests continued on Thursday after the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) rejected a fresh offer from the government to resume talks, insisting that its key demands must be fulfilled before the agitation can end.

News agency ANI mentioned government sources as saying that an offer to continue discussions was sent to the CJP leadership, but it was turned down, leaving negotiations at a standstill.

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The development comes days after CJP representatives met Union Health Minister JP Nadda in New Delhi and submitted their demands, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. According to the party, Nadda assured them that the issues would be taken up at the appropriate level.

CJP reiterates three demands

CJP spokesperson Sourav Das said the protest would continue indefinitely unless the government accepts the group’s demands.

He said the protesters are seeking Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, ₹1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide due to the NEET paper leak, and withdrawal of FIRs filed against peaceful protesters. The group also wants a sovereign guarantee that no such cases will be registered against peaceful demonstrators in future.

Calling the Education Minister’s resignation “non-negotiable”, Das said the agitation would continue for as long as necessary if the demand remained unmet.

Appeal for peaceful protest

Das said he had spoken several times with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who remains on a hunger strike after being admitted to hospital, and that both agreed the movement should remain peaceful.

He said Wangchuk had also publicly appealed to protesters to maintain peace during the agitation.

Das further alleged that anti-social elements had infiltrated previous protests in the country, leading to violence for which peaceful demonstrators were later blamed. He said such a situation should not be allowed to recur.

PM Modi announces fast-track courts

Amid the continuing protests, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that fast-track courts would be set up to ensure swift punishment for those involved in paper leak cases.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said safeguarding students’ future remained a priority and asserted that those responsible for paper leaks would face stringent action.

“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks… Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared,” Modi said.