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Delhi Metro Shuts 17 Stations as Protests Continue; Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Fast

Published on: 24 Jul 2026, 02:21 AM

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has closed 17 metro stations in central Delhi on Friday in view of ongoing protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar. The closures, which began on Wednesday with 16 stations, now include Jhandewalan station, which was shut on Thursday evening.

The protests, which have been peaceful, are being held in two streams. One stream, led by activist Sonam Wangchuk, has been demanding stricter laws against paper leaks. Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike early Friday at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after being urged by members of Parliament from both the ruling and opposition blocs. Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh were present when he broke his fast.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a video message released on Thursday night, assured student protesters that a tough new law is being introduced. He also announced the establishment of fast-track courts to punish those responsible for paper leaks. In a social media post after Wangchuk ended his fast, Modi said, “I urge Sonam ji to follow his daily routine as advised by the doctors and regain his weight as soon as possible. I pray to the Almighty that Sonam ji remains healthy.”

The second stream is led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), founded by Abhijeet Dipke, which is protesting against alleged police brutality. The CJP has called for a nationwide strike on Friday to “stand in solidarity with the victims of police brutality.” The party has also demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Wangchuk has urged all protesters to remain peaceful, expressing concern over reports that “anti-social elements” were attempting to provoke violence. The CJP has reiterated that its protest at Jantar Mantar will remain peaceful.

The PM’s assurances came late Thursday, but the CJP said it will continue its nationwide strike. The government is expected to introduce the new legislation in Parliament next week.

Source: Indian Express

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