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Senior government ministers met representatives of the student-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement in New Delhi on Friday following days of protests in the capital and several other Indian cities.

The movement began over allegations of irregularities in national competitive examinations and has since expanded into broader demands for education reforms, stronger safeguards against paper leaks and greater accountability in the examination system.

Protest leaders are calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging repeated examination failures have undermined public confidence in India's education system. They have also called for the withdrawal of police cases filed against demonstrators and other measures related to students affected by the examination controversy.

The talks came after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 26-day hunger strike. According to Reuters and the Associated Press, Wangchuk ended his fast after meeting government representatives, while protest organisers said demonstrations would continue as negotiations proceed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced measures aimed at strengthening the examination system, including tougher penalties for examination malpractice and proposals for fast-track courts to deal with paper leak cases. However, protest leaders say

they are seeking broader reforms and accountability.

Large demonstrations have taken place in New Delhi and other cities over the past week. Earlier protests near Parliament were dispersed by police using tear gas and batons after demonstrators attempted to march towards the legislature. Authorities also imposed temporary security restrictions in parts of the capital.

The protests have become one of India's most prominent youth-led movements in recent years, reflecting concerns over examination integrity, educational opportunities and employment prospects. Government officials and protest leaders are expected to continue discussions in the coming days.