‘Honorary Cockroach’ Sonam Wangchuk Has A Message For Govt: ‘Don’t Suppress Movement, Hear Them Out’

New Delhi: On a day when Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that the satirical digital outfit does not have access to any of its social media accounts following a crackdown, environmentalist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk threw his weight behind the viral ‘cockroach’ movement.

Wangchuk told PTI that he was “very impressed” by the campaign which he saw as a creative and democratic expression of the youth’s frustration over several issues like unemployment, exam paper leaks and accountability.

Wangchuk called himself an “honorary cockroach” and urged the Central government to listen to frustrated youngsters rather than suppressing their online expression.

“Otherwise, what will happen? I am hearing that their accounts are being closed. Then this anger can go anywhere,” Wangchuk said.

He drew a comparison with last year’s massive youth-led unrest in Nepal.

“Violence did not happen just like that in Nepal. When they shut down the internet and stopped creative expressions online, youth came out on the streets and it became an ugly scene,” he said.

Wangchuk opined that that the issues being raised by the ‘cockroach’ movement, especially alleged paper leaks and questions around accountability, deserve serious attention.

“They are raising the issue of paper leak, there is nothing wrong with that,” Wangchuk said. “In any country, ministers resign on such issues, so what is the big deal? Instead of suppressing them, their message should be taken.”

The movement reflected genuine anxiety among young people who are seeking to make themselves heard, Wangchuk remarked.

“They are troubled, so they are expressing that they are worried, but not so much that they take to the streets. This could be the next step. That is why, at this stage, their voices should be heard.”

Wangchuk felt this unique campaign should be viewed as an opportunity to strengthen democracy.

“It should be taken very positively and used to create a better India,” he said. “The creativity with which the youth of India have given this message, such things make us Vishwaguru.”

He appealed to the youth to remain peaceful while asking the government not to corner them.

“This is my message to the government, do not push them,” Wangchuk said.

“And I request the youth to never go towards violence. Keep raising your voice, no matter how much you talk, never go towards violence. On the other hand, the government should not force them to take the path of violence.”

Asked if he will formally join the movement, Wangchuk said: “I have been asked by several quarters to speak on it. Some are saying I should also become a member.”

He added, “I think I do not qualify, I am neither unemployed nor am I lazy. So sadly, I am not a member. But I consider myself an honorary cockroach.”