From Ladakh to London: Student Protests Surge for Education Reforms
Student-led protests in support of activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike for education reforms have spread from Ladakh to London, drawing thousands of demonstrators across Indian cities and the United Kingdom over the past week.
Wangchuk began his fast in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) agitation, which is demanding changes to the examination system and greater accountability in education. The movement gained momentum over the weekend, with protests held in multiple locations.
In Ladakh, scores of students marched through Kargil carrying banners reading 'Save merit, Save students, Save the Nation' and 'We Stand With Sonam Wangchuk'. A candlelit march also lit up Leh's main market. Arif Ali, president of the Ladakh Students Union of Kargil, described the protests as peaceful and democratic.
Solidarity demonstrations extended to the United Kingdom, where protests were held in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, and outside the Indian high commission in London. Organised by the Students' Federation of India-UK (SFI-UK), the rallies drew hundreds of Indian students and left-wing groups demanding 'accountable, fair and transparent education' and supporting students' right to peaceful protest.
In Mumbai, around 900 people—mostly students aged 20 to 24—have been charged under eight first information reports (FIRs) related to CJP protests over three days. Protesters reported receiving police notices via WhatsApp on Tuesday.
In Indore, over 1,000 students, joined by teachers, parents and citizens, gathered near the Tantya Bhil statue to express solidarity with protesters in Delhi. 'What started with just a handful of students has now become a movement for every aspirant who wants a fair exam system,' said Sakshi Baheria, who brought food for the protesters.
Hundreds took to the streets in Dehradun, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the early resolution of pending recruitment exams and results in Uttarakhand. Police stopped the marchers near the Secretariat, leading to clashes.
In Vadodara, police detained nine protesters for demonstrating without permission. In Hyderabad, police detained several protesters linked to the All India Students Federation during a march against police action on CJP supporters in Delhi.
The protests reflect widespread discontent among students over the current education system, including issues with exam fairness and recruitment delays. The movement continues to gain support across regions and even internationally.
