NEW DELHI: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Wednesday said it was willing to hold talks with the Centre to end the agitation over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, but rejected an invitation to Union minister J P Nadda’s residence, insisting that any discussions should take place at a neutral venue.Addressing a press conference at Jantar Mantar, CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said police had informed the outfit earlier in the day that Union minister J P Nadda wanted to hold talks and had invited its representatives to his residence.“We refused to go to anyone’s house or office. The people’s court is here. Ministers should come among the people. If they want to talk, the talks should be held at Jantar Mantar,” Das said.However, he maintained that the movement remained open to dialogue and was willing to consider a neutral venue close to the protest site if there were security concerns.“We are educated people. If there are security concerns at Jantar Mantar, we can meet at a neutral place nearby. We have always said we are ready for talks. It would be good if the issue is resolved through dialogue,” he said.Das said the protesters had no time for “meaningless discussions” and stressed that the government’s intention should be to address their demands.“It is important that the government’s intention is to accept our demands. Time is precious… Thousands of people are still at Jantar Mantar and the protest is continuing,” he said.Reiterating the movement’s demands, Das said the CJP wanted Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign, compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy, and the withdrawal of all FIRs lodged against peaceful protesters.“We will also seek a sovereign guarantee from the government that no fresh FIRs or punitive action will be taken against any peaceful protester associated with this movement,” he said.Das said the agitation had spread beyond Delhi, with demonstrations taking place in Goa, Mumbai and Jaipur, among other cities, and described it as an “organic” nationwide movement.The CJP-led protest began on June 20, demanding accountability for alleged examination irregularities, reforms in the education system and Pradhan’s resignation.Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the agitation on June 28 and has been on an indefinite fast since then, has said he is willing to end his fast if the government assures that no punitive action will be taken against peaceful protesters and addresses the movement’s key demands.(With PTI inputs)
