India's youth-led Cockroach movement vows to continue protest after police crackdown
Youth-led protesters in India, known as the Cockroach movement, are continuing their sit-in at Jantar Mantar despite a violent police crackdown. The movement demands the resignation of the Education Minister over examination system failures and has gained support from opposition political figures.
Why it matters
The movement represents a significant and rare public challenge to the Modi government's handling of dissent and youth unemployment issues.
NEW DELHI — Supporters of India's youth-led Cockroach movement said Tuesday they will continue their protest in New Delhi, refusing to leave their sit-in site a day after police used tear gas and batons to disperse thousands of them as they tried to march toward Parliament.
Hundreds of protesters camped at Jantar Mantar, a designated protest site, under heavy police presence, saying they would stay until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns over alleged failures in India's examination system.
"We are going to continue our protest," said Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, which emerged just two months ago.
The movement, drawing students, professionals and families, marks a rare public challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's government in its third term, reviving criticism over its handling of dissent and its use of force to respond to protests.
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