Protests continue at Jantar Mantar

NEW DELHI: Govt made a fresh outreach Thursday to agitating students for talks over the issues being raised by them, emphasising that a solution to the crisis cannot be found without dialogue.“I very humbly invite you on behalf of govt to come forward and hold dialogue,” Union minister Jitendra Singh, who has joined govt’s main emissary and health minister J P Nadda in holding talks with activist Sonam Wangchuk, said, adding the Centre has reached out to Cockroach Janta Party protesters four times since Wednesday afternoon, but has not received any response.CJP has, however, refused to hold another round of talks after meeting Nadda at his residence on July 20, alleging they ended up “wasting” four hours without any outcome. It has insisted on holding the next meeting at Jantar Mantar or at a neutral venue and not at Nadda’s residence or office. However, Nadda made it clear the meeting can happen at either of the two places, shrugging off CJP’s suggestion.The govt has contested CJP’s version of the July 20 meeting. On Thursday, though, the Centre emphasised its keenness to continue with talks to defuse the crisis whenever the protesters want and for as much of length of time as they wish.Union minister Jitendra Singh said, “We are ready to discuss the NEET issue and all other related issues with an open mind.” Appealing to protesters, he added, “You will appreciate as much as I do that without talks we cannot find a solution. Without a solution, we cannot lay out further roadmap… Govt does not stand on prestige. Please come forward so that we can find a way out in the larger interest of the youth and the nation at large.“Highlighting PM Modi’s announcement of setting up a fast-track court to ensure swift punishment for those involved in paper leaks, he said it attested to govt’s commitment to going to any extent to safeguard students’ welfare.Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation is a key CJP demand, and govt has so far given little indication that it is even considering the removal of one of its key figures, who has been a member of the Union Cabinet since 2014. Govt has instead conveyed its willingness to engage in talks with protesters over all the issues being raised by them.