India youth protest leaders to hold talks, keep pressure on Modi government

Leaders of India’s youth-led “cockroach” movement are set to meet with the government on Friday to address a national crisis over leaked exam papers. Despite the planned talks, a spokesperson confirmed that nationwide protests will not cease. This development follows activist Sonam Wangchuk's end to a 26-day hunger strike, signaling a potential breakthrough in a situation that has seen tens of thousands of angry youth converge on Delhi.

The protests mark the most significant youth challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration since it took power in 2014. Opposition parties have voiced support for the movement's demands, disrupting the ongoing monsoon session of parliament. The self-named Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson, Saurav Das, expressed hope that the government would approach the talks with an open mind and listen to the concerns of the public.

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We hope that the government comes with an open mind and it will listen to the people of this country who have been out on the roads for so long. We will explain our demands to them in greater detail. And we hope that the government will listen to us.

However, Das emphasized that the protests would continue, stating, "We are not backing out. Because, real awakening starts from the grassroots and that is what we really need." The movement, which began as an online satire, has rapidly grown with millions of online followers, catching the government off guard. Protests have involved clashes with police, with tens of thousands marching on parliament and authorities responding with tear gas and batons.

Authorities have implemented measures to control the demonstrations, including shutting down metro stations and mobile internet services in central Delhi, causing significant inconvenience. The Delhi Metro Rail Corp. announced further station closures. Meanwhile, the federal cabinet is scheduled to discuss a draft amendment to laws aimed at punishing those responsible for exam paper leaks, though protesters have reportedly rejected the government's proposal.

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We are not backing out. Because, real awakening starts from the grassroots and that is what we really need.