India ‘cockroach’ activist Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strike as protests spread

Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has concluded a 26-day hunger strike, a protest against an exam paper scandal that has escalated into a significant youth-led movement challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Wangchuk announced the end of his fast in Delhi, citing negotiations with federal ministers and concerns about potential violence. He indicated that details of the talks would be shared soon.

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We won’t let Sonam sir’s sacrifice go in vain.

The protests, spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta party (CJP) movement, are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The movement alleges that exam paper leaks in May affected approximately 2 million students and have been linked to several student suicides. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke vowed that Wangchuk's sacrifice would not be in vain and that protests would continue until the minister steps down.

These demonstrations represent the most substantial youth challenge to Modi's administration since he took power in 2014. Opposition parties have voiced support for the youth movement's demands, disrupting parliamentary sessions. The protests have drawn tens of thousands to the streets, with gatherings at the Jantar Mantar site in Delhi. Authorities have responded by closing metro stations and blocking mobile internet services in central Delhi, measures criticized by human rights groups as attempts to stifle dissent.

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The government was committed to addressing concerns and reforming ​exams.

Protests have also spread to other major Indian cities, including Ranchi, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kolkata. The disruptions in Delhi have affected commuters and businesses reliant on digital payments. The government maintains it is committed to addressing concerns and reforming the examination system, but the youth movement remains resolute in its demands.

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The president said in the redes 'ya van a ver lo que los argentinos somos capaces de hacer con la Argentina' porque realmente estamos empezando a ser un ejemplo en esto de aplicar un programa económico que mejora la situación