India Activist Ends Hunger Strike but Protests Continue
Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 26-day hunger strike. He led the 'Cockroach' movement against exam problems.
His strike was linked to an exam paper scandal. The scandal sparked wider youth-led protests across India.
Protesters vowed to keep protesting despite his decision. They want Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign.
Movement leaders held talks with government officials. But the standoff over education problems continues.
India extended a mobile internet shutdown in New Delhi. This was a response to the protests.
A nationwide protest day was called for Friday. Organizers say it supports students beaten by police.
That beating happened during a march to Parliament on Monday. Movement leaders plan to meet officials again soon.
They aim to address education system concerns. The movement's name comes from a remark by India's top judge.
He compared unemployed youth to cockroaches. The movement now also addresses unemployment and government accountability. It is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's biggest youth-led challenge since 2014.
Key Terms 3
- Cockroach movement Youth protest group named after a judge's remark comparing unemployed youth to cockroaches
- Sonam Wangchuk Indian activist who led the 26-day hunger strike
- Narendra Modi India's Prime Minister since 2014