Thousands Continue Delhi Protest After Police Crackdown on Student-Led Movement

Thousands of protesters returned to the streets of New Delhi a day after police used batons and tear gas to disperse supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led movement demanding education reforms and the resignation of India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The protests continued despite a police ban on demonstrations near Parliament. On Monday, tens of thousands of young people attempted to march toward Parliament, leading to violent clashes with security forces.

According to reports, at least 60 protesters were injured during the crackdown, while police said 118 officers were also hurt and around 70 protesters were detained. Opposition parties criticised the police response, while the government has not publicly commented on the use of force.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is a satirical movement that emerged after India's Chief Justice used the word "cockroach" earlier this year while referring to some unemployed young people. Although he later clarified his remarks, the comment sparked widespread criticism and inspired the movement's name.

Over the past month, protesters have been camping at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, calling for major reforms to India's education system and greater accountability over alleged examination paper leaks. The demonstrations gained nationwide attention after education activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest and began an indefinite hunger strike in support of the movement. He was later removed by police and remains in hospital while continuing his fast.

The movement has since become one of the largest public protests against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in recent years, receiving backing from opposition leaders, farmers' groups, activists and several public figures.

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi described the protesters' demands as legitimate and accused the government of failing young people.

On Monday, Health Minister JP Nadda met CJP leaders to discuss their concerns. However, protest organisers said the talks produced no concrete commitments, with only a promise that the government would consider their demands.

Later that evening, police moved to clear the protest site at Jantar Mantar. Protesters accused officers of using excessive force, while police claimed demonstrators became violent, attacked officers, damaged public property and ignored repeated warnings to disperse.

After internet services were restored in the area, videos circulating on social media appeared to show clashes between police and protesters, further intensifying public attention.

Despite the crackdown, CJP supporters returned to Jantar Mantar and vowed to continue their peaceful demonstrations until their demands are met.

The movement is calling for sweeping education reforms following the NEET medical entrance examination paper leak, which affected more than 2.28 million candidates. Protesters say Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should resign and take responsibility for the controversy, although he has rejected the demand.