India's youth-led Cockroach movement vows to continue protest after police crackdown

Supporters of the youth-led Cockroach movement in New Delhi remain at their protest site at Jantar Mantar despite a significant police crackdown on Monday. Authorities used tear gas and batons to disperse thousands of demonstrators as they attempted to march toward Parliament to demand greater government accountability.

The movement, which began as a satirical protest, has grown into a serious challenge to the government in its third term. Participants are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. They cite concerns over recurring exam leaks, high unemployment, and the lack of official response to the challenges faced by students across the country.

Police reports state that nearly 180 people were injured during the dispersal, including protesters and security personnel. Despite the physical confrontation, activists remain committed to their cause. Founders of the Cockroach Janta Party stated they will not leave the protest site until their specific demands regarding educational reform and compensation for affected families are addressed.

Opposition leaders have also increased pressure on the administration. Rahul Gandhi and other lawmakers staged a sit-in outside the residence of the Prime Minister to voice their opposition to the police tactics. The ongoing situation highlights the tension between the government and a younger generation focused on transparency and systemic change.

As the sit-in continues, the movement is attracting more participants from various professional backgrounds. Many individuals who were not initially involved are joining the site to show support for the demonstrators. Human rights organizations have criticized the police response as a suppression of peaceful dissent, citing constitutional rights to assembly.