India extends a mobile internet shutdown in New Delhi while youth-led protests continue, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi facing what outlets describe as a major challenge from young activists since taking office in 2014. France 24 reports that leaders of the “Cockroach” movement are scheduled to meet government officials later on the day the shutdown remains in effect, as both sides seek to address a standoff linked to the country’s education system.
The planned talks follow the end of a 26-day hunger strike by activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had drawn attention to public anger over exam irregularities and other alleged scandals. Both reports say the youth movement agrees to engage in discussions, but also indicates that protests will continue.
The shutdown is described as a mobile internet restriction affecting the capital. The meeting with government officials is presented as an attempt to resolve the dispute over education-related issues that have helped drive the demonstrations and heightened public scrutiny of examinations and institutional practices.
