Supporters of India's youth-led Cockroach movement clashed with police on Monday as thousands attempted to march to Parliament demanding the education minister's resignation. Police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowd at Jantar Mantar, a designated protest site in central New Delhi.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) emerged in May after the Supreme Court's chief justice allegedly compared unemployed youth to 'cockroaches' during a hearing. Supporters embraced the remark, turning it into a satirical movement that has attracted millions of followers on social media.

The movement has gained strength following repeated leaks of high-stakes entrance exams for medical colleges and government jobs, sparking public anger. It drew wider attention after police forcibly moved hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk to hospital on Saturday.

Protesters calling themselves 'cockroaches' have camped at Jantar Mantar for a month, joined by student groups and supporters from other cities. They demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, exam system reforms, and compensation for families of students who died by suicide after paper leaks.

The government has reportedly launched its first public outreach to the movement's leaders, though no official statement has been made. The protests continue to grow, highlighting deep frustrations over unemployment and corruption in the education system.

Source: www.aljazeera.com