Sonam Wangchuk calls herself an ‘honest cockroach’ and urges government to hear youth voices

Environmentalist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday (May 23, 2026) voiced support for the online “cockroach” movement led by the self-styled “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP), calling himself an “honest cockroach” as he urged the government to address the concerns of the youth rather than suppressing their digital expression.

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The online campaign, which uses satire and images of a cockroach as a symbol of resistance and dissent, has drawn attention in recent days for its founders’ claims of a crackdown on their social media presence, including account suspensions and accusations of hacking. The movement framed itself around issues such as unemployment, exam paper leaks and public accountability.

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Speaking to PTI, Mr Wangchuk said about the controversy that the campaign should be seen as a form of democratic feedback, not a threat.

“First of all, I am very impressed,” Mr Wangchuk told PTI. “Such creative expressions of our youth are nothing to be afraid of and nothing to be afraid of. The government should take the message – don’t kill the messenger. If we kill the messenger, the message will not end.” Asked if he would formally join the movement, Mr. Wangchuk took a more subdued note, saying he did not qualify for membership but identified with its message.

“I have been asked by several quarters to comment on this. Some say I should also become a member,” he said. “I don’t think I qualify – I’m neither unemployed nor lazy. Unfortunately, I’m not a member. But I consider myself an honest cockroach,” he said.

Compared to political satire and cartoons published in newspapers, Mr Wangchuk said dissent expressed through humor and symbolism was a legitimate democratic tool.

“As newspaper cartoonists, you don’t shoot them because they made a cartoon of the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary or the Defense Secretary. Similarly, it’s also satire. Take it as feedback,” he said.

Appreciating what he described as the non-violent and imaginative nature of the movement, Mr. Wangchuk said the country’s youth have chosen digital creativity over confrontation, and it is such things that make India a “Vishwaguru”.

“I am very impressed that the Indian youth wanted to express their frustration in such a creative way – not on the streets with stones, as has happened in other countries,” he said. “It is the duty of the Government of India to respect it, to look at it with love and to accept its message.” But he warned that cracking down on online spaces could deepen frustration among young people. Referring to reports that social media accounts linked to the movement were being shut down, Mr. Wangchuk said the authorities should avoid pushing dissent underground.

“Otherwise, what happens? I hear their accounts are being closed. Then this anger can go anywhere,” he said.

Paralleling the political unrest in Nepal, Mr Wangchuk argued that curbing creative expression online could have unintended consequences.

“Violence didn’t just happen in Nepal. When they shut down the internet and stopped creative expression online, the youth took to the streets and it became an ugly scene,” he said.

He said the issues raised by the “cockroach” movement, particularly the alleged paper leaks and liability concerns, deserved attention rather than dismissal.

“They’re raising the issue of paper leakage – there’s nothing wrong with that,” he said. “In every country, ministers will resign on such issues, so what’s the point? Instead of suppressing them, we should embrace their message.” He went on to say that the movement reflects a real angst among young people who are trying to make themselves known before frustration deepens.

“They have problems, so they are expressing their concerns – but not so much that they are taking to the streets. That could be the next step,” he said. “That’s why their voices should be heard at this stage.” Mr Wangchuk said the campaign demonstrated a uniquely Indian form of protest and should be used 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 has conveyed this message – things like this make us Vishwaguru. The youth of India do not take to the streets with stones, but present their opinion creatively.” He urged the youths to maintain peace while urging the government not to drive them away.

“This is my message to the government – don’t pressure them,” Mr Wangchuk said.

“And I request the youth to never go to violence. Keep raising your voice, no matter how much you speak, never go to violence. On the other hand, the government should not force them to go the way of violence,” he added.

Published – 23 May 2026 17:52 IST