India's 'cockroach' protest continues a day after police crackdown

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. India's 'cockroach' protest continues a day after police crackdown Image source, ReutersImage caption, Police used batons and tear gas to disperse protestersByGeeta PandeyReporting fromJantar Mantar, Delhi Published12 minutes agoThousands have gathered again in the Indian capital Delhi a day after a police crackdown on supporters of India's Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led movement seeking education reforms and resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Tens of thousands of young men and women had turned up for Monday's protest and tried to march on parliament, defying a police ban. Central Delhi witnessed overwhelming violence, with at least 60 protesters wounded when police used batons and tear gas on them.

Policemen also tore down the stage and makeshift tents at the main protest venue. Police said 118 of their personnel were also injured and 70 protesters have been detained. Image source, EPA/ShutterstockImage caption, Many protesters told the that even women were not sparedWarning: This report contains images and description that some may find disturbingPolice and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government have not commented on the use of sticks and tear gas against protesters.

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Opposition parties have condemned the violence. The CJP is a satirical political movement inspired by remarks made earlier this year by India's chief justice, who used the word "cockroach" to describe unemployed young people turning to journalism and activism. After the comments sparked outrage, he said he had been referring only to those with "fake and bogus degrees".

Monday's huge turnout showed that the CJP, though not a registered political party, has evolved into a movement capable of drawing tens of thousands onto the streets. Protesters, who have been camped for the past month at Jantar Mantar, a 300-year-old observatory in Delhi, gained global attention after activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk joined them on 28 June and began an indefinite hunger strike in support of their demands. He was forcibly removed from the protest site by the police on Saturday and taken to hospital where he continues to fast.

The movement has broadened into one of the most visible expressions of public dissent against Modi in recent years. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Dozens of protesters were injured on MondayWangchuk and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke have received support from most of the major opposition parties, farmer leaders, activist and celebrities, including Bollywood actors. Leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi said said that the students' demands were "legitimate" and described Modi "as the most anti-youth prime minister India has ever had".

The government did not engage with the demonstrators until Monday when Health Minister JP Nadda met some CJP leaders to hear their demands.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.