New Delhi

Environmentalist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday expressed support for the online “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP) campaign, calling himself an “honorary cockroach” and urging the government to listen to the concerns of young people instead of suppressing online dissent.

The satirical online movement, which uses the imagery of a cockroach to symbolise resilience and protest, has gained traction on social media in recent days. Its supporters claim that accounts linked to the campaign have faced suspensions and hacking attempts.

The movement has focused on issues such as unemployment, examination paper leaks and accountability in governance.

Speaking to PTI, Wangchuk described the campaign as a creative and democratic form of public feedback.

“I am very impressed,” he said, adding that such expressions by young people should not be seen as a threat.

“The government should take the message instead of targeting the messenger. If you silence the messenger, the message itself will not disappear,” Wangchuk said.

When asked if he would formally join the movement, Wangchuk responded humorously, saying he did not qualify because he was “neither unemployed nor lazy”, but added that he still considered himself an “honorary cockroach”.

Drawing parallels with political cartoons and satire in newspapers, he said democratic societies should accommodate criticism expressed through humour and symbolism.

“Cartoonists regularly caricature prime ministers and ministers. They are not punished for it. This should also be seen as satire and feedback,” he said.

Wangchuk praised the movement’s peaceful and imaginative nature, saying Indian youth had chosen creativity instead of violence to express frustration.

“I am impressed that young people in India are expressing their concerns creatively rather than through violence or stone-pelting, as seen elsewhere,” he said.

He warned that shutting down online spaces for dissent could deepen frustration among youth.

“I am hearing that their social media accounts are being closed. If this anger is suppressed, it can take a different direction,” he said.

Referring to unrest in neighbouring Nepal, Wangchuk argued that limiting online expression could eventually push people towards street protests.

He also said the issues highlighted by the movement, particularly alleged examination paper leaks and demands for accountability, deserved serious attention.

“They are raising genuine concerns. In many countries, ministers resign over such issues. Instead of suppressing these voices, their concerns should be addressed,” he said.

Wangchuk described the campaign as a reflection of growing anxiety among young people who are seeking to be heard before frustrations intensify further.

“This is a uniquely Indian and creative form of protest. It should be viewed positively and used to strengthen democracy,” he said.

At the same time, he appealed to young people to continue expressing themselves peacefully and urged the government not to corner them.

“My message to the youth is to never take the path of violence. Keep raising your voice peacefully,” he said.

READ MORE: Bakrid 2026: Farmer wishes to sell Rs 15-lakh ‘Crescent Goat’ to Salman Khan

“And my message to the government is not to push young people towards frustration or confrontation,” Wangchuk added.