Climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving assurances from the Central Government, but the nationwide student-led “Cockroach” protest movement shows no signs of slowing down. Protest organizers have vowed to continue demonstrations until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns over repeated examination paper leaks and alleged mishandling of the crisis.
Wangchuk had launched his indefinite fast in solidarity with students protesting irregularities in competitive examinations and demanding greater accountability in India’s education system. His fast became a rallying point for thousands of students and young people across the country, turning the movement into one of the largest public protests seen in recent years.
The activist ended his fast at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram in the presence of Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh after the Centre assured him that peaceful protesters would not face legal action. Wangchuk said he chose to end the fast following extensive negotiations with the government and concerns that escalating tensions could lead to violence.
Despite Wangchuk’s decision, leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has spearheaded the protests, insisted that the agitation would continue peacefully. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the movement’s primary demand—the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan—remains unchanged, adding that ending Wangchuk’s fast does not signal the end of the campaign.
The protests, which began over alleged exam paper leaks, have evolved into a broader movement demanding transparency, accountability, and reforms in India’s education system. Demonstrations have spread across multiple cities, with students accusing the government of failing to protect the integrity of competitive examinations that determine the future of millions of young people.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced a series of measures aimed at addressing public concerns, including fast-track courts for exam leak cases, tougher punishment for offenders, and administrative reforms within the Education Ministry. However, protest leaders argue that these steps do not address the issue of political accountability and continue to press for the minister’s resignation.
The government is expected to hold formal talks with representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party in an effort to ease tensions and find a resolution. Meanwhile, peaceful demonstrations are continuing at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and in several other cities, with organizers calling for sustained public participation until their demands are met.
