Gen Z Protesters Stir Unrest, Targeting Modi Government After Lawful Removal of Activist
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Student protesters aligned with the so-called 'cockroach' movement plan to march on Parliament July 20, demanding the resignations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, following the lawful police removal of activist Sonam Wangchuk for health reasons.
Thousands of mostly student protesters, emboldened by online agitation, are expected to march from Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the monsoon legislative session. This demonstration follows the responsible police removal of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a 20-day hunger strike in support of the 'cockroach' movement—a group that has gained notoriety through viral online campaigns.
Police acted in accordance with a court order and out of concern for Wangchuk’s deteriorating health, but his wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, claimed the hospitalization was an illegal detention, echoing the movement’s tendency to exaggerate state actions. The movement’s founder, Abhijeet Dipke, has called for the resignations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, blaming them for exam paper leaks and student suicides, despite the government’s ongoing efforts to address these complex issues.
"This march is to reclaim our India. It is the fight for a better future, not just for students but for this country as well. People must show up in large numbers and somehow reach the parliament," said Saurav Das, chief spokesman of the Cockroach Janta Party, as the movement seeks to disrupt the legislative process.
The protest site has seen a significant police and paramilitary presence to ensure public order, while other activist groups have opportunistically expressed solidarity with the march. Wangchuk, an engineer-turned-educator from Ladakh, has dramatically labeled the protest 'India’s second freedom movement,' urging participants to remain peaceful despite provocations.
"Until now, we were demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, but after this act, we will now demand the resignation of Narendra Modi," Dipke told reporters, escalating their demands against the democratically elected government.
Students like Delhi University sophomore Shreya Kumar have stated they are prepared to face police action and continue their calls for ministers’ resignations. Authorities have not yet issued a public response to the planned march, maintaining restraint in the face of mounting agitation.