Ranchi: The protest by students and job aspirants against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations continued for the 19th consecutive day on Wednesday, with the demonstrators making it clear that they would not end the agitation until their demands were accepted, PTI reported.
The students, mobilising under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, have rejected assurances given by the Hemant Soren government on changes in the recruitment process. They said the agitation would continue despite the government’s stated commitment to reforming the examination system.
Students Firm On Demands
The protesters are seeking greater transparency in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). Their demands include the cancellation of several examinations and an independent investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation or a panel of retired high court judges from outside Jharkhand.
A separate group of students, Jharkhand Chhatra Nyay, has announced a one-day hunger strike and a ‘kali patti’ (black armband) protest against Monday’s police action during their march towards the state assembly.
The police used lathis, water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protesters after the marchers attempted to move towards the assembly. Demonstrators claimed that several students were injured in the action, while Ranchi Police said 14 personnel were hurt during the clashes.
The incident led to a political confrontation between the government and the opposition. The BJP called a state-wide bandh on Tuesday to protest the police action. Road blockades, closure of educational institutions and shutdowns in markets affected normal life in several districts.
The BJP demanded an independent inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment examinations. It accused the JMM-led government of attempting to silence protesting youths and also questioned the purpose of government officials visiting the protest site around midnight.
The ABVP held a separate march towards the assembly on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch organised a silent procession in Ranchi, moving from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk.
Hunger Strikes Continue
Leaders of the Reforms Manch said the movement would be expanded and that details of the next phase of the agitation would be announced shortly.
The continuing protest has also affected the health of several demonstrators. Six students are on an indefinite hunger strike, of whom two have been admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital.
JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been fasting for nearly 10 days, is undergoing treatment in the hospital’s emergency ward. Doctors said his condition was stable but noted that he continued to refuse food despite repeated requests to end the fast.
His blood pressure and blood sugar levels are being monitored regularly, according to the doctors.
Another protester, Rahul Kranti from Palamu, began his fast at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium on August 4. He was shifted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital on August 7 after his health deteriorated. Doctors said that his vital health parameters were normal.
The protest has continued despite several rounds of negotiations between representatives of the students and the state government. The sixth round of talks, held on Sunday, failed to resolve the deadlock.
Both the government and the protesters accused the other side of not showing adequate seriousness during the discussions.
Government, Opposition Spar
Chief Minister Hemant Soren has reiterated that his government is committed to bringing reforms to the recruitment examination system. He has also assured the protesters that the 14th JPSC examination would be cancelled.
Soren, however, accused the BJP of using the students’ movement for political purposes and converting their agitation into a platform against the state government.
The controversy also affected proceedings in the Jharkhand assembly. The House witnessed repeated disruptions over the police action against the protesting students and was adjourned sine die on Tuesday, a day before the scheduled end of the session.
