India bans march on parliament by ‘Cockroach’ activists, risking a standoff

Indian police on Monday refused to allow a march by supporters of the youth-led 'Cockroach' movement on parliament, risking a standoff as calls intensify for the dismissal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's education minister over exam paper leaks. The movement, formed in May after paper leaks affected millions, quickly gained 22 million Instagram followers and has now transitioned to street protests.

On Saturday, police forcibly moved hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital, prompting hundreds of supporters to gather at a protest site. Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, posted a message on X stating that the planned march would be 'India’s 2nd FREEDOM MOVEMENT' for 'freedom from injustice (like paper leaks)' and 'freedom from fear (my illegal detention)'.

A Delhi court on Monday ruled that authorities were within their rights to transfer Wangchuk to a government hospital because he had not admitted himself despite deteriorating health. Judge Mini Pushkarna noted that doctors had only administered oral fluids and supplements with his consent, adding that it could not be said that force was being used or that his bodily autonomy was violated. Wangchuk's wife had sought permission to transfer him to a private hospital, but the government opposed this, citing health concerns.

Police said that orders are in force in the New Delhi district prohibiting assemblies of five or more people, except at the designated Jantar Mantar observatory, where protesters have been camping for over three weeks. 'As the parliament session begins on July 20, strict security arrangements are in place,' police stated on X.

Despite the ban, the Cockroach Janta Party insisted the march would go ahead. 'The march is happening for sure. We are figuring out the rest,' a spokesperson said, requesting anonymity. The rise of the 'Cockroach' movement reflects deep frustration among young Indians over high unemployment and frequent exam paper leaks, posing a significant challenge to Modi's government.