Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike Friday after negotiations with federal ministers, but the country's rapidly expanding youth protest movement showed no signs of slowing, with demonstrators insisting they will remain on the streets until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns over a widening examination paper leak scandal.
Wangchuk's fast became the symbolic heart of India's "Cockroach" protests, a movement that began over alleged leaks in some of the country's most competitive entrance examinations but has since evolved into one of the largest and most sustained public challenges to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government since he took office in 2014.
What started as an online satirical campaign has transformed into a nationwide movement drawing students, professionals, families and activists.
Protesters say the examination scandal exposed deeper frustrations over unemployment, shrinking economic opportunities and a lack of government accountability, bringing tens of thousands of people into the streets across New Delhi and other major cities.
In a post on X, Wangchuk said he ended his fast after appeals from dozens of lawmakers and discussions with two federal ministers, citing lengthy negotiations and concerns that the standoff could trigger further violence. He did not disclose details of the talks.
