Protest Turns Violent
Clashes erupted in central Delhi on Monday as thousands of supporters of the youth-led ‘Cockroach’ Janta Party tried to march from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged examination paper leaks and action on youth unemployment.
Footage shows protesters pushing against and removing police barricades as officers use batons and tear gas. Injured demonstrators are seen sitting and lying on the road, coughing, resting and being given water, while others wave Indian flags and hold banners reading, ‘We are not traitors / We are aware citizens of democracy’, among others.
Hundreds Hurt
According to Delhi Police, nearly 180 people were injured, including 118 police and security personnel and 60 protesters, and 70 demonstrators were detained. Organisers accused the authorities of using excessive force against a peaceful march.
The demonstration was driven by anger over alleged paper leaks, technical failures and delays affecting high-stakes entrance and recruitment examinations. The unrest was further fuelled by the forcible hospitalisation of veteran activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on hunger strike for three weeks in solidarity with the movement.
Youth Demand Accountability
Protesters stated the disruption damaged students’ education and employment prospects and exposed a lack of accountability in the examination system.
The unrest also reflected wider frustration over unemployment and intense competition for a limited number of public-sector posts, with many young people saying examination failures and recruitment delays left their futures uncertain.
Government Holds Talks
The movement, named after a remark by India’s Chief Justice comparing unemployed youth to ‘cockroaches’, declared it would continue its sit-in at Jantar Mantar but would not attempt another march, citing fears of further police violence.
In a first sign of government outreach, representatives of the movement held talks with Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Monday.
Article by Viory
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