India Protest Leaders Meet Government as Nationwide Demonstrations Continue

Leaders of India's youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) have held fresh talks with the federal government in a bid to resolve the ongoing crisis sparked by national examination paper leaks, but protesters insist demonstrations will continue until their demands are met.

The meeting, held in New Delhi on Friday, brought together two senior government ministers and CJP representatives. It came shortly after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike, raising hopes of a possible breakthrough.

Following the discussions, CJP leaders said the government requested until Saturday afternoon to respond to their key demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The protest movement, which began as an online campaign, has grown into one of the largest youth-led demonstrations in recent years. Protesters are demanding the education minister's resignation, an assurance that no legal action will be taken against demonstrators, and financial compensation for families of students who died by suicide following exam paper leaks and test cancellations.

Government officials have said they remain open to dialogue and are working on legislation that would impose tougher penalties on those responsible for examination paper leaks. However, CJP leaders argue that stricter punishment alone is not enough, insisting the country's examination system requires comprehensive reforms to prevent future scandals.

Thousands of protesters have continued to gather in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Patna, and other cities, vowing to maintain peaceful demonstrations until their demands are addressed.

The protests have become one of the biggest political challenges facing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, with opposition parties backing many of the protesters' demands and disrupting parliamentary proceedings.

Meanwhile, authorities have intensified security measures in the capital, temporarily shutting several metro stations, restricting mobile internet services, and deploying large numbers of police after clashes during recent demonstrations.

Despite the restrictions, protest leaders say the movement will continue until meaningful action is taken to restore public confidence in India's examination system.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share