Climate activist Greta Thunberg expressed support for the CJP-led student protest over alleged irregularities in India’s education system, saying the movement demonstrated “the true meaning of people power.”
Speaking at a gathering organised by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) UK in London, Thunberg said the students’ fight for justice and the broader struggle for democracy and liberation required international solidarity.
“The Indian student protest has made us all proud. They have given us hope. They show what we can accomplish when people come together and resist. They show the true meaning of people power. The Indian students’ struggle for justice and the broader struggle for democracy and liberation is also our struggle. So we all have to come together now and rise up in solidarity with India,” Thunberg said.
The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) UK described the event as a celebration of the movement’s victory.
“SFI UK salutes the struggle of the student movement and its success in pushing the education minister to resign,” the organisation said in a statement.
“The fight has been very inspiring and courageous. But it has certainly not yet come to an end. We continue to grieve for the 21 students who have lost their lives due to the handling of NEET, and, of course, the brutal police repression against protesters,” the statement added.
The developments follow a 36-day agitation led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which culminated in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The protest, which began on June 20, gained momentum after police action against demonstrators on July 20 and received support from several student organisations and activists, including Sonam Wangchuk, who undertook a prolonged hunger strike in solidarity with the movement.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) later announced that it was ending the 36-day protest after the Centre agreed to its remaining demands, including compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak and the withdrawal of FIRs filed against protesters.
Describing the past 36 days as “really, really difficult,” CJP leader Dipke thanked supporters across the country for backing the party despite widespread scepticism about its campaign.
