Youth Movement Demands Release of Detained Students After Protests
India’s youth-led “Cockroach” movement, which recently sparked nationwide protests leading to the resignation of the education minister, is calling for the immediate release of all detained demonstrators.
The online group, known as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), organized these protests in response to exam paper leaks and other irregularities. They reported that many students have been detained, especially in Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar.
The CJP claims that the government went back on its promise not to punish protesters. “If the government does not keep its word and release everyone who has been arrested, we will have no choice but to protest again,” stated Ashutosh Ranka, a spokesperson for the movement.
This plea follows the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, the former education minister, due to ongoing issues with competitive exams that have outraged many young Indians.
While the government has not released an official statement, Bihar police announced that no legal action would be taken against the protesters and confirmed the release of those detained in their state.
According to the CJP, at least 100 individuals have been arrested across the nation, many facing serious charges. The group has also set up a legal fund to aid those implicated in criminal cases.
The movement, which gained traction on social media since its launch in May by 30-year-old Abhijeet Dipke, has attracted millions of followers. Tens of thousands of students protested in major cities, including Delhi, last week, demanding reforms and Pradhan’s resignation.
However, the demonstrations turned violent on July 20 when protesters attempted to march toward parliament, leading to clashes with police, who used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd. In a related incident in Bihar, a police officer was suspended for using an assault rifle against student protesters.
The Chief Justice of India has called for an independent investigation into allegations of police brutality. Surya Kant emphasized that the right to peacefully protest is protected under the Indian constitution.
The issue has also stirred controversy in parliament, with opposition members calling for a government response regarding the police’s aggressive tactics during the protests. Congress party leader Mallikarjun Kharge described the incident as “one of the gravest assaults on democracy in our history.”
Despite the tumult, the government moved forward with proposed legislation aimed at increasing penalties for exam paper leaks.
