Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on Friday after holding talks with government ministers. The strike was a protest against leaked medical school entrance exam papers, which demonstrators say allowed cheating. However, student-led protests demanding the education minister's resignation are set to continue. The youth movement, which calls itself the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), represents the biggest challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in recent years.
In response to the controversy, Prime Minister Modi announced a new bill to combat examination paper leaks. The proposed legislation includes fast-track courts and harsher penalties for offenders. The Union Cabinet is expected to discuss the bill on Friday before it is presented to Parliament next week. The government says it aims to protect students' interests and make the examination system secure.
Protesters are calling for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign over the leaks, which affected thousands of students. Wangchuk's decision to end his hunger strike came after the government provided assurances on student demands. Despite this, the demonstrations continue, with students vowing to keep up the pressure for broader reforms.