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Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day hunger strike
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 26-day hunger strike that helped spark one of India's largest youth protests in recent years, but demonstrators vowed to continue until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
- The "Cockroach" protests began over alleged leaks in competitive entrance exams and have expanded to broader issues like unemployment, government accountability, and economic opportunity, drawing diverse participants nationwide.
- Despite Prime Minister Modi's announcement of fast-track courts and proposed legislation to address exam paper leaks, protesters remain unsatisfied, demanding comprehensive reforms and accountability, including compensation for families of students who died by suicide.
- Protest organizers plan further demonstrations across India, especially in support of students reportedly beaten by police during a recent march to Parliament, emphasizing they will not let Wangchuk's sacrifice be in vain.
- Critics question Modi's response for not calling on the education minister to resign, viewing it as insufficient given the scale and persistence of the protests.
