Key facts
- Thousands of young people in India are protesting over leaked exams, demanding the education minister's resignation.
- The 'Cockroach' protest movement has become a symbol of broader frustrations among India's youth regarding government accountability, unemployment, and economic opportunity.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for fast-track courts to handle examination paper leak cases.
- Protesters are also demanding examination system reforms and compensation for students who died by suicide.
- Demonstrations in New Delhi were met with police using tear gas and batons, and metro stations were closed to limit access.
Thousands of young people in India are continuing protests, dubbed the 'Cockroach' movement, demanding the resignation of the Education Minister amid a scandal involving leaked exams. The movement, which has gained broad support across age groups, highlights widespread frustrations with government accountability, unemployment, and economic opportunities, posing a significant challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.
In response to the escalating demonstrations, Prime Minister Modi addressed the nation, calling for fast-track courts to handle exam paper leak cases and stating that the welfare and future of the youth are paramount. However, protesters, like law student Daksh Bhargava, argue that solutions should serve the nation rather than just being convenient for the government.
The protests, which have been ongoing for over a month, were initially sparked by leaks in competitive entrance exams for medical colleges and government jobs. The demands have since expanded to include reforms of the examination system and compensation for families of students who have died by suicide due to the leaks.
Demonstrations in New Delhi have faced a strong police response, with tear gas and batons used to disperse crowds, and 16 metro stations in the city center were closed to restrict access. Despite roadblocks, protesters have regrouped. The movement originated as a satirical online campaign by the Cockroach Janta Party in May and gained momentum when activist Sonam Wangchuk joined with a hunger strike lasting over three weeks.
Leaders of the movement insist they will not cease protesting until the education minister resigns. Meanwhile, Dharmendra has accused opposition parties of exploiting students for political gain, although these parties have shown support and used the issue to challenge the government in parliament. The protests have occurred amidst a broader crackdown on activists and opposition figures in India.