Thousands of demonstrators associated with the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) gathered in central Delhi on Monday, defying a police ban to march toward India's parliament. The protesters, comprising students, teachers, and professionals, are demanding the resignation of the education minister following widespread allegations of exam paper leaks and broader concerns regarding the nation's education system.
The protest movement, which has gained significant momentum since June, derives its name from a controversial remark made by India's chief justice, who previously compared unemployed youth to "cockroaches." The movement's founder, Dipke, subsequently adopted the term as a symbol for the campaign.
Tensions escalated as police utilized tear gas and canes to disperse the crowds near Jantar Mantar. Volunteer doctor Gaurish Batra reported treating at least 10 individuals for injuries, including head wounds and a suspected broken leg, which protesters attributed to police baton charges. While some demonstrators threw stones, organizers had urged participants to avoid confrontation. Authorities also restricted mobile internet services in parts of the city during the unrest.
Despite the heavy police presence and a monsoon downpour, many participants remained at the site until police in riot gear dismantled the protest area by late evening. Earlier in the day, two CJP representatives met with Health Minister JP Nadda to present their demands. While Nadda stated he would raise the issues within the government, he later urged the protesters to end their demonstration on social media.
The protest coincided with the opening of parliament's monsoon session, where opposition lawmakers also raised concerns regarding the education system. By the end of the day, police had cleared the protest site, though the status of the movement's future actions remained uncertain.
Source: BBC News
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