Sonam Wangchuk, one of India's most prominent activists, ended a 26-day hunger strike after high-level talks with federal ministers. However, thousands of young demonstrators across India say they will not stop protesting until the country's education minister resigns.
The demonstrations, known as the "Cockroach" protests, began over a month ago after widespread leaks of exam papers for highly competitive university entrance tests ruined the plans of millions of students. The satirical group leading the movement, the Cockroach Janta Party, adopted its name after a remark by India's Supreme Court Chief Justice comparing unemployed young people to cockroaches. Over recent weeks, the anger has grown beyond exam leaks to encompass wider concerns about youth unemployment, lack of economic opportunities, and government accountability.
Thousands of protesters have filled the streets of New Delhi and other major cities. On Monday, security forces used tear gas, batons, and pellet guns to disperse marchers trying to reach Parliament, resulting in several injuries among student protesters.
In response to the growing unrest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the protests publicly for the first time, promising fast-track courts and new legislation to crack down on exam paper leaks. However, protest organizers rejected the measures as insufficient. They demand full accountability, the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and financial compensation for the families of students who died by suicide following the exam leaks.