Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 26-day hunger strike on Friday, a fast that had galvanized a significant youth movement in India. The protests, which have become one of the largest demonstrations in recent years, continue with participants vowing to press their demands until the education minister resigns.
The movement, dubbed the “Cockroach” protests, began over a month ago, initially focusing on demands for education reforms following alleged leaks in major competitive entrance exams. The demonstrations have since broadened, tapping into wider public discontent regarding unemployment, government accountability, and economic opportunities. Thousands have participated in protests across New Delhi and other cities.
These sustained demonstrations represent a significant wave of public dissent against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. The movement gained further momentum after police reportedly used tear gas and batons to disperse marchers attempting to reach Parliament earlier in the week. A call for nationwide protests on Friday was issued in solidarity with students who were allegedly beaten by police during a march to Parliament.
Wangchuk announced the end of his fast in a post on X, stating he did so in the presence of two federal ministers following appeals from numerous members of parliament and after extensive negotiations. He indicated that the decision was made in light of potential violence in the country, without providing further details on the talks.
Organizers of the protest stated that demonstrations would persist until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan steps down. Their demands include comprehensive examination reforms and compensation for the families of students who have died by suicide in the wake of exam paper leaks.
Following separate discussions with two ministers on Friday, protest organizers reported that the government requested until Saturday afternoon to respond to their demands. Government minister J.P. Nadda confirmed that further meetings are scheduled for Saturday.
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party which has spearheaded the movement, stated, “We won’t let Sonam sir’s sacrifice go in vain.” The party's name is a reference to a remark made by the country's chief justice of the supreme court, who compared some unemployed young people to cockroaches.
Prime Minister Modi addressed the protests publicly for the first time on Thursday, announcing the establishment of fast-track courts to handle cases involving examination paper leaks. He also stated that his government intends to introduce legislation in Parliament aimed at cracking down on such leaks.
These announcements did not significantly appease the movement, with protesters expressing that the measures failed to address their core demands for government accountability. Fabeha Sayyed, a 23-year-old participant, commented that Modi's video message indicated he was finally acknowledging the issue, but she questioned why the education minister had not been asked to resign.