- Arundhati Roy's presence at protest criticized for past Kashmir remarks.
- Comedian Kunal Kamra allegedly mocked Hindu gods on stage.
- Umar Khalid's father, supporters joined, raising freedom slogans.
Jagran Correspondent, New Delhi: The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has organised a massive protest against the paper leak at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar for the past month. While the affected students have raised their voices from the stage, the protesting site has also been under the scanner due to the presence of some controversial figures. The students were joined by such figures, including acclaimed writer Arundhati Roy, comedian Kunal Kamra, and the supporters of activist Umar Khalid.
Arundhati Roy's Presence
Earlier this month, Roy visited the Jantar Mantar to support the protesting students. However, several social media users criticised her presence for her previous remarks, especially on the Kashmir issue. Earlier in 2010, Roy claimed that Kashmir was never a part of India and that the Indian army had occupied the region forcefully, leading to a massive controversy back then.
Kunal Kamra Mocks Hindu Gods
Kamra, a controversial stand-up comedian, allegedly mocked the Hindu gods from the stage of the CJP. While he cracked the joke, the organisers, including CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, applauded his act rather than raising an objection.
Recommended For You
Khalid's Supporters At Jantar Mantar
Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, father of Delhi riot accused Umar Khalid and founder of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), too arrived at the Jantar Mantar to support the students. A large number of Khalid's supporters are also present at the protest site, often raising slogans to free Khalid.
Apart from this, the social media users have also raised questions on the past affiliations of Dipke, claiming that his movement is directed by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal. The protest has also received support from Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US-based Khalistani terrorist, leading to backlash from the netizens.
However, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday clarified that foreign money was not involved in the ongoing protest at the Jantar Mantar.