Mobile Internet Suspended Around Jantar Mantar as Government Seeks Talks with NEET Protesters

New Delhi, July 2026 : The Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday ordered the temporary suspension of mobile internet services in and around Jantar Mantar, where students have been staging protests over alleged examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak controversy. The restriction will remain in force for eight hours, from 4 p.m. to midnight, as part of measures aimed at maintaining public order.

According to an official order issued by the Ministry, mobile internet services across all technologies have been suspended within a 1.5-kilometre radius of Jantar Mantar. The government said the decision was taken after assessing the prevailing law and order situation and determining that the temporary shutdown was necessary to prevent any disturbance to public order or incitement to offences.

The directive, signed by Under Secretary Mahendra Vikram Singh, has been issued under the provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, along with the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024. Authorities stated that the suspension is a precautionary measure intended to ensure peace during the ongoing demonstrations.

The move comes amid continuing protests by students demanding accountability over alleged paper leaks and irregularities in competitive examinations, particularly NEET. The agitation, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has entered its second month at Jantar Mantar, attracting support from students, activists and several Opposition leaders.

Meanwhile, the Centre reiterated that it remains open to dialogue with the protesters and has made repeated attempts to initiate discussions. Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said the government had extended four formal invitations for talks with representatives of the protesting students within the past 24 hours.

He said the outreach was made in a spirit of cooperation and humility, stressing that dialogue remains the most effective way to resolve the impasse. According to the Minister, the government is prepared to discuss every issue raised by the students, including concerns surrounding the NEET examination.

Dr. Singh said Union Minister J.P. Nadda has been designated as the government’s interlocutor for the discussions and is ready to meet the student representatives at a time and venue of their convenience. He added that the meeting could be held either at the Minister’s office or residence, with no restrictions on the agenda or timing.

Highlighting the government’s willingness to engage constructively, the Minister urged students to participate in the dialogue process rather than prolong the confrontation. He maintained that the Centre is committed to addressing their concerns through consultation and meaningful engagement.

Dr. Singh also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent announcement regarding the establishment of fast-track courts to deal with examination paper leak cases. He said the proposed courts would ensure speedy investigations, prosecution and punishment of those responsible for compromising the integrity of competitive examinations.

The Minister asserted that the Prime Minister is deeply concerned about the aspirations of India’s youth and is committed to safeguarding the credibility of the country’s education system. He said the fast-track judicial mechanism would help restore confidence among students by ensuring swift justice in cases involving examination fraud.

The protests at Jantar Mantar have continued for more than a month, with demonstrators demanding stricter action against those involved in paper leaks, greater transparency in examinations and reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future. Social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the movement in solidarity with students, also continued his indefinite hunger strike, which entered its 26th day on Thursday.

As the agitation gathers momentum, the government has maintained that while it is committed to preserving public order, it also remains open to dialogue and is prepared to engage with student representatives to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing dispute.