'Listen to the students': Diljit Dosanjh breaks silence on CJP protests, says 'They'll call me anti-national again'

Taking to social media, Diljit appealed to the authorities to listen to the demands of the protesting students and ensure they are treated fairly.

'Listen to the Students'

In his statement, Diljit wrote: "Whatever happened is sad. Students should not be treated like this. I request the authorities to listen to the students' demands. The voice of the people is the voice of God."

Photo: Screen-grab/Diljit Dosanjh Instagram

'They Will Call Me Anti-National Again'

Anticipating criticism over his stand, the actor said he had previously been labelled "anti-national" for speaking out and expected similar reactions this time.

"I have already been branded as an anti-national many times. They will call me anti-national again."

Recalls Backlash After Farmers' Protest

Diljit also recalled the backlash and legal troubles he faced after supporting the farmers' protest, saying the experience had come at a personal cost.

"After the farmers' protest, I faced a lot of backlash and legal problems that I can't even discuss. The rest is in God's hands. May God do what is best."

Diljit's remarks come amid nationwide demonstrations over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and the police crackdown on CJP protesters during Monday's Parliament march, which has drawn sharp political reactions and sparked fresh debate over the handling of student protests.

Parliament March Triggers Violence

Dramatic scenes unfolded during the Parliament march on the streets of Delhi on Monday as police lathi-charged thousands of protesters, leaving several demonstrators injured.

Police also fired tear gas shells, barricaded roads and detained protesters as a massive confrontation erupted in one of the most significant anti-government protests in recent years.

According to reports, several police personnel were also injured during the clashes, which disrupted normal life across the city.

Metro services were affected, parts of central Delhi came to a standstill, and protesters clashed with police while demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and broader education-related issues.

Why Are They Protesting?

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), an online satirical campaign, began its sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar nearly a month ago demanding Pradhan's resignation over paper-leak, besides a call for an educational reform.

The movement gained momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike on June 28 in support of the protesters.

The agitation intensified last week after Wangchuk was forcibly removed from Jantar Mantar by police and admitted to a hospital.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, who had launched his own hunger strike following Wangchuk's removal, called off his fast on Monday after a request from the parent of a NEET aspirant who died by suicide.

What Are the Current Demands?

The CJP has put forward three key demands:

• Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
• Release of Sonam Wangchuk.
• Compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak issue.