A fresh wave of protests led by India's youth-driven Cockroach movement has encountered a severe crackdown from Narendra Modi's government, coinciding with the closure of a historic protest site in Delhi. Two prominent leaders of the movement have been imprisoned for five days for allegedly violating suppression measures.
Background of the Protests
The protests initially erupted due to widespread frustration regarding education and unemployment. However, the focus has now shifted towards advocating for voting rights. The movement's leaders argue that the government's actions threaten the democratic process.
Government's Response
In response to the protests, Modi's government has denied allegations of attempting to disenfranchise millions of voters. However, the treatment of the protesters has drawn criticism from international organizations, including the UN and Amnesty International. These criticisms have raised alarms about India's potential drift towards autocracy.
