India protest movement holds capital sit-in as police crack down on demonstrators - AP News

What the report says

The Associated Press reported that thousands of mostly young protesters remained camped in New Delhi on Thursday, July 23, 2026, pressing ahead with the “Cockroach” protest movement despite new restrictions and a police crackdown. Demonstrations also took place in Mumbai, where AP photos showed protesters confronting police and officers chasing demonstrators.

According to AP, the movement began more than a month ago after leaks affected some highly competitive entrance exams for medical colleges and government jobs. It has since broadened into a larger campaign demanding accountability, education reforms and the resignation of India’s education minister. Organizers say they plan to continue even after Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly addressed the issue this week.

In New Delhi, demonstrators gathered at Jantar Mantar, a designated protest area, after overnight clashes in which police used tear gas and batons to disperse crowds. AP reported that this was the second such confrontation in the week; on Monday, thousands had attempted to march toward Parliament before police broke up the protest. Protesters returned Thursday morning despite roadblocks and heightened security.

The protests are significant because AP described them as one of the biggest challenges facing Modi’s government. The movement, linked in the report to the Cockroach Janta Party, appears to be drawing support beyond students, including professionals, families and opposition figures such as Mehbooba Mufti of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party, who was photographed speaking at the New Delhi demonstration.