New Delhi [India], July 25 – The Indian government and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) which has been leading protests over the alleged NEET examination paper leak and irregularities, are set to hold a third round of talks on Saturday as tensions remain high.
According to Indian media reports, the meeting is scheduled for Saturday afternoon and is expected to clarify the government’s position on CJP’s key demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest group has repeatedly said it will not compromise on the demand.
Following the second round of talks on Friday Union Minister JP Nadda said the CJP had presented three demands and five recommendations aimed at reforming the examination system adding that discussions were ongoing.
The CJP has claimed the government has agreed in principle to provide compensation of Rs 10 million to the families of students who died by suicide following the paper leak controversy and to withdraw legal cases against protesters. However, the government has not confirmed those claims. Sources familiar with the discussions said Pradhan is not expected to resign and that the government intends to maintain a firm stance.
Security has been tightened in New Delhi ahead of the talks. The Delhi government has ordered all liquor shops to close by 8 pm through the weekend while the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has suspended operations at 18 metro stations including Lok Kalyan Marg, Janpath, Supreme Court, Rajiv Chowk and Patel Chowk, until further notice.
On Friday rallies against the alleged NEET paper leak were held in more than 15 Indian states and over 30 cities. Clashes were reported in Kolkata while police detained around 400 people in Mumbai and 56 in Patna. Authorities have registered 30 FIRs nationwide in connection with the protests.
