NEW DELHI — Supporters of India’s youth-led Cockroach movement reaffirmed their commitment to nonviolent protest at Jantar Mantar on Tuesday, remaining under heavy police supervision as they rejected demands to disband following clashes with authorities.
Hundreds of demonstrators maintained their occupation of the protest site, citing unresolved grievances around exam irregularities, unemployment, and governmental accountability as reasons for extending their sit-in despite sustained police efforts.
Abhijeet Dipke, the movement’s founder, emphasized resilience, stating, “We will persist until our core demands—resignations, reform, and justice—are met.”
The escalating tensions, which erupted into physical confrontations on Monday, have transformed into a defining episode of the movement’s two-month campaign. Originally begun as a satirical demonstration, it now encompasses broad demands for systemic change in education and governance.
Social media platforms amplified outrage as videos documenting police baton charges and arrests circulated widely. Accounts of injuries—nearly 180 total, including 118 officers and 60 protesters—further fueled public solidarity.
Sona Bisht, a 20-year-old participant, described the encounter as galvanizing. “The government believes youth can be silenced with force? That’s mistaken. We remain here—demanding transparency in exams and accountability for student suicides linked to fraud.”
Monday’s diplomatic overture, featuring talks between protesters and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, failed to de-escalate the conflict. Demonstrators rejected assurances, insisting on concrete actions, including immediate resignations and policy reforms.
Amnesty International condemned the use of force, noting that India’s suppression of peaceful assembly violates both constitutional and international legal standards. The organization stressed that authorities must protect, not hinder, the right to protest.
Rabina Kashyap, a 26-year-old professional, joined protests after witnessing police deploy tear gas against students. Standing alongside demonstrators, she stated, “This is my nation. I stand with those fighting for fairness.”
Associated Press video journalist Piyush Nagpal contributed to this report.