Sonam Wangchuk calls himself ‘honorary cockroach’, urges government to hear voices of youth

Environmentalist and educator Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday, May 23, 2026, voiced her support for the online ‘cockroach’ movement led by the self-styled ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ (CJP), describing herself as an ‘honorary cockroach’, as she called on the Government to address the concerns raised by young people instead of suppressing their digital expressions.

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

Speaking about the controversy in the interview PTIMr Wangchuk said the campaign should be seen not as a threat but as a form of democratic feedback.

“First of all, I’m very impressed,” Mr. Wangchuk said. PTI. “Such creative expressions of our youth are nothing to worry and fear. The government must get the message, do not kill the messenger. If we kill the messenger, the message will not end.” Asked whether he would officially join the movement, Mr. Wangchuk responded in a lighter tone, saying he was not eligible for membership but identified with the movement’s message.

“I have been asked to speak on this issue from several quarters. Some say I should become a member too,” he said. “I guess I don’t qualify; I’m neither unemployed nor lazy. So unfortunately I’m not a member. But I consider myself an honorary cockroach,” he said.

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

“You don’t shoot them like the cartoonists in the newspapers, just because they made caricatures of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Minister of Defense. Likewise, this is also a satire. Consider this as feedback,” he said.

Mr. Wangchuk praised what he described as the non-violent and creative character of the movement, saying the country’s youth were choosing digital creativity over confrontation and that it was things like this that made India a “Vishwaguru”.

“I am very impressed that the youth of India want to vent their frustrations in such a creative way, and not with stones on the streets like in other countries,” he said. “It is the duty of the government of India to respect that, to cherish it and to get its message.” But he warned that blocking online spaces could further fuel frustrations among young people. Addressing reports that social media accounts linked to the movement had been shut down, Mr Wangchuk said authorities should avoid pushing dissidents underground.

“Otherwise, what will happen? I hear that their accounts have been closed. Then this anger can go anywhere,” he said.

Drawing parallels with political unrest in Nepal, Mr Wangchuk argued that restricting creative expression online could lead to unintended consequences.

“This is not how violence happened in Nepal. When they shut down the internet and stopped creative expression on the internet, young people took to the streets and it became an ugly sight,” he said.

He said the issues raised by the “cockroach” movement, particularly allegations of paper leaks and concerns about accountability, should be taken into account rather than ignored.

“They are raising the issue of paper leaks, there is nothing wrong with that,” he said. “Ministers in every country resign on such issues, so what is the big deal? Instead of suppressing them, their message should be received.” He also said the movement reflects real concern among young people who are trying to make their voices heard before their frustrations deepen.

“They are distressed, so they express that they are worried, but not enough to go out. This could be the next step,” he said. “That is why their voices need to be heard at this stage.” Mr Wangchuk said the campaign showcased a form of protest unique to India and should be used as an opportunity to strengthen democracy.

“This should be received very positively and used to create a better India,” he said. “The creativity with which the youth of India gives this message – these kinds of things make us Vishwaguru. The youth of India do not take to the streets with stones, they present their ideas creatively.” While appealing to the youth to remain peaceful, he called on the Government not to corner them.

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

“I also ask young people to never turn to violence. No matter how much you talk, raise your voice, never resort to violence. On the other hand, the government should not force them to the path of violence.”

It was published – 23 May 2026 17:52 IST