Indian activist Wangchuk ends 26-day hunger strike as 'Cockroach' protesters vow to press on

Key Points:

• Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike, which had become a focal point for the widespread "Cockroach" protests demanding education reforms following alleged leaks in competitive entrance exams.
• The protests have expanded to express broader frustrations with unemployment, government accountability, and economic opportunity, drawing diverse groups across India despite police efforts to disperse them.
• Wangchuk ended his fast after negotiations involving federal ministers and appeals from parliament members, but protest leaders insist demonstrations will continue until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the protests by announcing fast-track courts and proposed legislation to tackle exam paper leaks, but protesters remain unsatisfied, demanding deeper reforms and compensation for families affected by student suicides linked to exam leaks.
• Demonstrators have called for nationwide protests to support students who were violently dispersed by police during a recent march to Parliament, emphasizing their commitment to sustaining the movement.