Supporters of India’s youth-led Cockroach movement vowed to continue their protest in New Delhi on Tuesday, remaining camped at their sit-in site a day after police dispersed thousands of demonstrators with tear gas and batons. The protesters had been attempting to march toward Parliament.
Hundreds of protesters remained at Jantar Mantar, a designated protest area, under heavy police presence. They stated they would not leave until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, citing alleged failures within India’s examination system. Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, confirmed the protesters' intention to continue their demonstration.
Monday's confrontation marked a significant escalation in the Cockroach movement's two-month campaign. What began as a satirical protest has evolved into a nationwide, youth-led movement addressing issues such as exam leaks, unemployment, and government accountability.
Social media quickly spread video footage of police engaging protesters with batons and detaining demonstrators, which fueled public outrage. Some videos depicted young protesters in distress, while others showed protesters enduring baton strikes.
Delhi Police reported nearly 180 injuries, including 118 security personnel and 60 protesters. Sona Bisht, a 20-year-old student involved in the protest, stated that the clash strengthened her resolve, asserting that such actions would not deter the movement from advocating for education and securing their future. The protesters demand Pradhan's resignation, examination reforms, and compensation for students who allegedly died by suicide due to exam irregularities.
Dipke accused authorities of breaching an agreement, claiming police resorted to force after protesters were invited for discussions. A senior minister had engaged in talks with movement representatives on Monday, the government’s first apparent engagement with the protesters in nearly a month. However, the outreach failed to de-escalate tensions, as leaders sought concrete actions over assurances.
Amnesty International issued a statement late Monday, characterizing the police action as an example of the suppression of peaceful dissent in India and emphasizing that authorities should facilitate, not suppress, protests, citing the right to peaceful assembly under international human rights law and the Indian constitution.
The movement, which includes students, professionals, and families, represents a notable public challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government during its third term. It has reignited criticism regarding the government's handling of dissent and its use of force against protests. The movement gained further momentum over the weekend after activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a three-week hunger strike, was forcibly taken to a hospital by police.
Rabina Kashyap, a 26-year-old professional, joined the protest on Tuesday, motivated by the police's use of tear gas and batons against students. "I have nothing to do with this protest," she said. "But this is India, this is my country, and these are my people. So I will stand by them."