Thousands of protesters demanding the resignation of India's education minister briefly clashed with police in New Delhi late on Wednesday as demonstrations over alleged exam paper leaks entered their second month.
Police fired tear gas and used batons to disperse sections of the crowd after some protesters reportedly threw stones and plastic bottles, injuring several officers. Local media estimated that more than 10,000 people gathered at Jantar Mantar, a traditional protest site in central New Delhi, making it one of the largest demonstrations since the movement began.
The protests were sparked by alleged exam paper leaks in May that affected around two million students, fuelling anger over the integrity of India's education system.
The movement, led by the self-styled Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has grown rapidly from an online campaign into a nationwide protest, with organisers refusing to end demonstrations until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
The unrest has also become a major political issue, with opposition parties backing the protesters' demands and disrupting Parliament's monsoon session.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi joined demonstrations outside Parliament and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, insisting that Pradhan's resignation was "not negotiable". Opposition leaders were due to meet on Thursday to decide their next strategy in Parliament.
The government has held one round of talks with CJP representatives and has pledged to consider their demands. It has also offered to debate the issue in Parliament and introduce reforms to India's examination system.
Authorities tightened security across New Delhi ahead of further protests. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced the closure of 16 metro stations in and around central Delhi on Thursday, citing security concerns. It marked the second major shutdown this week.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show protesters confronting police officers using tear gas and batons, although Reuters could not independently verify the footage.
The growing movement has exposed broader frustrations among India's youth, particularly over education, unemployment and governance, while giving opposition parties a renewed opportunity to challenge Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, which has traditionally enjoyed strong support among younger voters.
British police have arrested five men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act after a major security incident was declared near RAF Fairf...
Afghanistan’s defence ministry says its forces killed 28 fighters and wounded 32 others in the eastern province of Nuristan after a gro...
For decades, Uzbekistan’s cotton industry was primarily associated with the production and harvesting of ...
Leaders from around the world are gathering in New York for the latest session of the United Nations General Assembly, with conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, global security, trade, artificial intelligence, climate change and economic development dominating the agenda.
World leaders return to the United Nations headquarters in New York on Friday for the fourth day of the high-level General Debate, with speeches and diplomatic meetings continuing throughout the day.
Iran has called for a diplomatic solution after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected its Hormuz proposal, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was awaiting a definitive U.S. response through mediators.
Iran on Saturday awaited a U.S. response to its proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end fighting in the Middle East war after the Wall Street Journal reported that President Donald Trump had rejected the deal.
Six people have died after a two-storey residential building in a tourist area of central Athens collapsed, the Greek fire brigade said on Saturday (26 September), following an explosion that the mayor said was likely linked to gas infrastructure.
British police have arrested five men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act after a major security incident was declared near RAF Fairford, a British air base used by U.S. air forces in Gloucestershire, England.
Afghanistan’s defence ministry says its forces killed 28 fighters and wounded 32 others in the eastern province of Nuristan after a group allegedly crossed the border from Pakistan.
South African police are searching for suspects after two separate shootings killed 27 people and injured 26 others within hours, highlighting the country’s persistent problem with gun violence.
Heavy rain and storms have triggered floods and landslides that killed 56 people in India, while in Nepal, 14 have died and another 11 are missing, with authorities there warning on Sunday that more flash floods are possible.
Six people have died after a two-storey residential building in a tourist area of central Athens collapsed, the Greek fire brigade said on Saturday (26 September), following an explosion that the mayor said was likely linked to gas infrastructure.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment