Ranchi: The student protest in Jharkhand over the JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations intensified further on Monday. A confrontation took place between protesters and police during a march towards the state Assembly in Ranchi. Police used lathi-charge, tear gas and water cannons to control the crowd. Following the incident, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called for a statewide bandh on Tuesday, August 11, in protest against the police action.
Situation Escalates During Assembly March
Students have been protesting for a long time against alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC examinations. On Monday, a large number of protesters were marching towards the Assembly. Police had put up barricades along the route. The situation became tense when some protesters attempted to cross the barricades and move ahead. Police then used force to push the crowd back. According to officials, stones were also thrown at some points during the protest, and reports emerged that police personnel were injured.
BJP Questions Police Action
Following the police action against the students, the BJP targeted the state government and announced a bandh on August 11. Party leaders alleged that young people protesting over their demands were subjected to harsh treatment. The BJP said it would increase pressure on the government over the students' demands and the police action.
Irregularities in Recruitment Exams Remain the Main Issue
The students' main objection concerns alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and transparency in the selection process. The protesters are demanding the cancellation of several examinations, fresh examinations and an investigation into the entire matter by a central investigating agency. The state government has taken steps to cancel some examinations and investigate aspects related to financial irregularities, but the students continue to demand a CBI investigation.
Arrest of Former JPSC Chairman Further Escalates the Matter
Meanwhile, the investigating agency has arrested former JPSC chairman L. Khiangte in connection with alleged irregularities. During the investigation, questioning and raids at several locations have also been reported. The allegations in the case are still under investigation, and the final conclusions will become clear only after the investigation is completed.
Student Leader on Hunger Strike Hospitalised
Amid the ongoing agitation, student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who had been on hunger strike for a long period, was hospitalised after his health deteriorated. This further increased tensions surrounding the student movement. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Hemant Soren appealed to the students to maintain peace and said that the government was taking their concerns seriously.
Bandh May Increase Political Pressure
The BJP's announcement of a statewide bandh amid the student protest has given the issue a political dimension. The government now faces the challenge of finding a solution to the students' demands concerning the examinations, while also maintaining law and order amid growing pressure from the opposition. The direction of the dispute in the coming days may depend on talks between the government and the protesting students.
