Indian student protests: What’s next after Modi’s promise on exam leaks?

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised tougher action over examination paper leaks after youth-led demonstrations grew into a major challenge for his government’s third term. In a recorded address late Thursday, Modi said fast-track courts would be created to punish people involved in leaks. The protests are centred at Jantar Mantar and Parliament Street in New Delhi, and have also spread to cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru and Patna.

The demonstrations are being led by the Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP, described by Al Jazeera as a satirical online movement that has become a national platform for education reform demands. Its leaders say Modi’s proposal does not go far enough and are continuing to call for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign. The group is also seeking the withdrawal of cases against peaceful protesters and financial support for families of students who died by suicide after recent exam cancellations.

The unrest has included confrontations with police. Al Jazeera reported that officers used tear gas and batons on Monday when demonstrators attempted to march towards parliament. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International criticised what they described as excessive force and the suspension of mobile internet around Jantar Mantar. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation later said 16 stations in New Delhi would be closed until further notice.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who supported the students, ended a 26-day hunger strike after negotiations with government representatives. Health Minister JP Nadda said the government was open to discussions on exam reforms, paper leaks and possible compensation. After talks on Friday, CJP leaders said the government had asked for until Saturday afternoon to respond to the demand for Pradhan’s removal.