In recent days, the central areas of India’s capital have been alive with the largest protests in years, as young demonstrators call for reforms to a national examination system they claim deprives millions of a fair opportunity.
Earlier this week, as the predominantly Gen-Z protesters attempted to present their demands at the parliament building within the world’s largest democracy, they faced tear gas and police aggression, being struck with sticks and batons.
The protesters are determined to continue their struggle, challenging Narendra Modi’s Hindu-nationalist government, which critics argue has suppressed dissent throughout its decade-plus tenure.
Approximately 150 individuals required hospitalization due to injuries from Monday’s confrontation, as reported by leaders of the protesting party. Videos depicting the police’s aggressive response – shared widely soon after the event despite a government-ordered internet shutdown – have incited public outrage. According to Delhi police, 118 officers were injured during the “violent protests.”
Ahead of the march, Delhi Police had enforced prohibitory measures and labeled the gathering as illegal.
On Tuesday, the protesters – many bearing visible injuries from police actions – returned to Jantar Mantar, a historic observatory encircled by a large park, and reestablished the temporary camp that had functioned as their base. This site had been dismantled by police the previous day.
At this camp, the spirit of resistance was palpable.
“We will stand here proudly,” declared Sudhir Kumar, a participant in Monday’s rally who witnessed the police assault on fellow protesters.
“The primary issue here is education,” Kumar noted, sharing that he had dedicated a year to preparing for an entrance exam for a top medical school, only to find out that the exam papers had been compromised.
“It’s disheartening to prepare for an entire year only to discover it’s rigged on the exam day,” he expressed to USdaily.
Mohammad Taj, who came to Delhi from Haryana state and suffered facial bruises during Monday’s crackdown, stated that the march towards parliament had been peaceful.
“Suddenly, without warning, the police began striking us with batons. Children, women, and elderly people were all targeted,” he recounted.
By the evening, crowds had swelled beyond the protest site, spreading into adjacent streets.
“Whenever Modi feels threatened, he unleashes the police,” they shouted in unison, demanding “freedom.”
Widespread Anger
The march towards Parliament on Monday represented one of the largest protests against the Modi administration in years.
This event was organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-driven movement that originated as a joke but has evolved into a significant political entity voicing the concerns of millions of young Indians.
Established by Abhijeet Dipke, a graduate of Boston University, the CJP emerged in May after India’s chief justice made remarks interpreted by many as derogatory towards the nation’s unemployed youth, referring to them as “cockroaches.” These comments were perceived as particularly insensitive amid persistently high youth unemployment in the country.
The CJP has been at the forefront of the current protests, which center around claims that entrance exam papers for elite medical schools were leaked and sold. As a result, millions were forced to retake the examination.
India’s educational framework has long been plagued by issues, including examination paper leaks and technical malfunctions, leading to immense pressure on students and financial strain on families heavily investing in their children’s futures.
Frustration grew over the weekend when prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was participating in a hunger strike in solidarity with the movement, was forcibly removed from the protest site and taken to a medical facility. Protesters attempted to intervene, while police shielded the scene with sheets to obscure the view.
Modi, typically unresponsive to criticism, has yet to address the protesters’ concerns publicly. On Tuesday, he communicated through the minister of parliamentary affairs, stating that he is committed to preventing further paper leaks.
The education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, has also refrained from commenting publicly on the protests from Monday. In an interview with NDTV last month, he referred to the CJP as the “B-team of terror groups.”
On Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the principal opposition party in India, was briefly detained after he organized a sit-in outside Modi’s residence, demanding his resignation.
There seems to be an increasing resolve among protesters, who insist they will persist in their sit-in until their demands are addressed.
For many, merely changing the education minister and overhauling the examination process is insufficient. They are calling for Modi – who has presided over more than a decade of BJP dominance in Indian politics – to step down as well.
“I was struck by officers in plain clothes with batons while I was simply standing,” recounted protester Talwar. “This country’s situation won’t improve until Modi departs.”
Correction:This article has been updated to clarify that rally participant Sudhir Kumar observed police striking protesters but was not personally attacked.
