‘Won’t back down’: Indian student protesters return after police crackdown

New Delhi, India, The streets of the Indian capital remain scarred by the aftermath of a violent police crackdown on student-led protests, which erupted in late June and escalated dramatically in early July. Thousands of demonstrators, primarily university students, occupied central areas of New Delhi, including Parliament Street and Connaught Place, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over allegations of widespread corruption and malpractice in national entrance examinations. On July 20, 2026, law enforcement used tear gas and physical force to disperse the crowd, leaving behind a scene of destruction marked by bloodstains, broken glass, and scattered personal items. The protests, which began in response to leaked examination papers and disputed grading practices affecting millions of students, have drawn sharp criticism from educators and civil society groups. Over 20 students reportedly committed suicide following the alleged misconduct, prompting outrage among parents and activists. Despite the gravity of the situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has yet to publicly address the demonstrations, despite being physically close to the protesters during the crackdown. His absence has fueled perceptions of indifference toward the concerns of young citizens. Leaders of the student movement, including representatives from various universities and activist groups, have vowed to continue their campaign. Abhijeet Dipke, head of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a political advocacy group supporting the protests, addressed a gathering of approximately 2,000 supporters at the Jantar Mantar site, an historic 18th-century observatory frequently used for public demonstrations. He condemned the police action as an attempt to silence dissent, describing it as a brutal effort to suppress the demands for accountability. “We will not back down until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns,” Dipke declared, urging continued resistance against what he calls the government's authoritarian tactics. The protest movement has been bolstered by the presence of Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known activist who initiated a hunger strike to press for Pradhan's resignation. For nearly a month, Wangchuk and other protesters have slept under makeshift shelters made of tarps, enduring harsh conditions while maintaining their stance. However, the police recently forced Wangchuk from the protest area and confined him to a government hospital, an action his family and the CJP have denounced as unlawful. Legal challenges to this detention have been rejected by the Delhi High Court, further complicating efforts to secure justice for the protesters. Despite the government's refusal to engage directly with the protesters, the movement has gained traction among India's youth, the largest generation of Gen Z globally. Many students feel that the current administration has failed to uphold democratic principles, particularly in light of the recent crackdown. Analysts suggest that while the protests may struggle to achieve tangible results given the government's entrenched position, the sustained unrest could amplify existing criticisms of Modi's leadership, especially regarding the erosion of institutional accountability. As volunteers begin to clean up the Jantar Mantar site, the mood among protesters remains defiant. They continue to gather, undeterred by the violence they have endured, determined to keep the pressure on the government. With the hunger strike ongoing and new demonstrations planned, the conflict between the protesters and authorities shows no signs of abating. The coming days will likely see further escalation, as the students' demands for transparency and reform gain greater visibility amid growing public discontent.