Analysis: Nearly five weeks after the leaders of India's youth Cockroach Janta Party began their protest demanding the resignation of the education minister over exam paper leaks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 75, posted a rare selfie video: he said he was pained by their suffering and promised remedial steps.

Student protests in India demanding education reforms grew on Thursday despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowing a crackdown following a string of exam paper leaks.

The "Cockroach" protests which have gained a wider following from Indians of all ages over government accountability, unemployment and economic opportunity is considered one of…