Thousands of Young Protesters Remain at New Delhi Site Amid Police Crackdown
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Young demonstrators continued to camp at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar despite police use of tear gas and roadblocks, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fast-track courts for exam-leak cases.
Thousands of young protesters camped at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Thursday, defying police-imposed restrictions and roadblocks that were intended to limit access to the site. The gathering followed overnight clashes in which police used tear gas and batons to disperse crowds, marking the second such confrontation this week.
The movement, which began in May as an online satire campaign against alleged leaks of competitive entrance exams for medical colleges and government jobs, has expanded to include broader demands for education-system reforms, the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and compensation for families of students who died by suicide after alleged paper leaks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue publicly for the first time on Thursday, announcing the creation of fast-track courts to expedite examination-paper-leak cases. > "Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth!" Modi wrote on X.
Law student Daksh Bhargava said the announcement did not meet protesters' demands, adding that the government should seek solutions that serve the nation rather than convenience for officials.
Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party, which organized the protests, reiterated that they will continue demonstrations until the education minister steps down. Founder Abhijeet Dipke responded to criticism with a meme mocking the minister.
Prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a three-week hunger strike, was transferred to a hospital by police over the weekend. The protests have drawn support from opposition parties and have spread to other Indian cities, reflecting wider youth frustration over employment prospects and government accountability.
The demonstrations occur against a backdrop of a broader crackdown on dissent in India, where public protests have faced increased police action in recent years.