India's Youth Rise Up: 'Cockroach' Protesters Demand Freedom for Detained Activists

In a bold move, India's 'cockroach' movement, a youth-led collective, is urging authorities to release all detained protesters who have been rallying against the government over exam paper leaks and irregularities. The online-based Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has been at the forefront of the protests, which have garnered massive support on social media and forced the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The CJP has accused the government of going back on its word, having initially assured that no punitive action would be taken against protesters. With reports of student detentions flooding in, particularly from the states of Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar, the CJP is warning of further action if their demands are not met. The movement, which was launched in May by 30-year-old Abhijeet Dipke, has become a rallying cry for millions of young Indians who are demanding reforms in the examination system. The protests, which turned violent in the Indian capital, have sparked disruptions in parliament, with opposition lawmakers calling for a response from the government over the police crackdown.