Police are using tear gas and batons against them. One of the most prominent faces of the protest movement is Sonam Wangchuk, an Indian engineer and activist. He has been on a hunger strike since June 28. Last weekend, he was forcibly taken to a hospital. The subsequent march on parliament led to clashes. Demonstrators marched peacefully through the city center and were pushed back by police with force.
The protesters are demanding, among other things, the resignation of India’s education minister. Over two million aspiring medical students had to retake their entrance exam because the questions had been leaked. More than a dozen young people subsequently took their own lives. The protesters are demanding compensation of around 90,000 euros for the families of the suicide victims. On Wednesday, India’s health minister spoke out: J.P. Nadda said the matter would be discussed in parliament. The young people are now also receiving backing from the opposition. Rahul Gandhi, the opposition leader, said: “We stand 100 percent behind every single student. We fully support you and will ensure that you are protected and your future is secured.”
The protests are now also spreading nationwide. In the capital, strict security measures remain in place. For security reasons, 16 metro stations were temporarily closed. Meanwhile, the protesters are receiving support from the public. Anonymous donors are sending food deliveries to the protest site via delivery services.
Source: www.spiegel.de
