Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening everyone.
On 20th of July 2026, India witnessed one of the biggest protests in the past decade. Millions of students came together to protest for the resignation of the Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan.
The education ministry has failed the students time and time again. This year's question paper of one of the biggest exams in the entire nation, NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), which is conducted for students who wish to pursue medical studies from renowned institution across the country were leaked. This led to National Testing Agency announcing a re-test which led to the suicide of 20 students due to immense stress and anxiety.
Led by Mr. Abhijeet Dipke, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), launched a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar, located in Central Delhi on 6th of June 2026. It gained momentum and significance when a renowned scientist, engineer and environmental activist Mr. Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest and went on a hunger strike on 28th of June 2026. On the 20th day of his hunger strike, he was forcibly taken to the police station and detained.
The CJP then launched a parliament march on 20th of July 2026.
The demands were simple:
1) Resignation of the Union Education Minister
2) Compensation of ₹ 1 Crore (≈$ 1,03,803.90) to the parents that lost their children
3) Release of Mr. Wangchuk and all the other protesters that were detained
Millions of students and non-students, which included social media influencers, normal people, kids and the parents of the students who lost their lives, gathered to express their support. But the Union wasn't very pleased by it.
Section 163 under the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) was imposed ahead of the march. It explicitly prohibited any gathering of 5 or more individuals. What started as a peaceful protest, soon turned violent when the people that gathered were beaten by the Delhi Police. Many were injured. Women who showed up, including little girls, were groped by the male police officers, some had their clothes ripped and some were even given rape threats. Female police officers weren't any better. They too were stripping clothes of the female protesters and telling them to have shame. Ironic. Expired tear gas shells were thrown which could've led to life-threatening events.
However, the worst part was that none of these police officers wore uniforms with their names on it. CCTV cameras were disabled and so was the internet, leaving people stranded and helpless. The bare minimum of basic human right was stripped away from the hands of the protesters.
People were hospitalised, many with wounds and some with concerning head injuries. Little kids that showed up were also beaten while their parents begged the police to spare them.
This is what happened on 20th, 21st is a whole another story.
I am not asking for anyone's support. The reason why I made this post is because I know my immediate circle on tumblr is diverse and I wish to use it to spread this news to people beyond borders.
Thank you for taking your time and reading this