No unity in Jharkhand stir? Student groups fire shots at each other ahead of talks
The clouds of uncertainty hover over Ranchi's Jaipal Singh Munda ground. The student protest over the alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand public service examination has
The clouds of uncertainty hover over Ranchi's Jaipal Singh Munda ground. The student protest over the alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand public service examination has entered its 16th day, and despite gathering support from across the nation, it is now facing a crisis from within. A heavy tussle of power is brewing between the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch and the Devendra Nath Mahto-led students group. Read Full Story India Today witnessed it first-hand. Ashutosh Mishra, who is on the ground covering the protest, heard allegations flying in the air from one camp to another. A few hours before the key discussions with the Jharkhand government's delegation, the Reforms Manch camp accused the Mahto group of 'politicising' a movement that has 'largely remained apolitical' and does not want to be given a partisan colour. The escalation has become so intense that the Reform Manch has now refused to sit at the same discussion table with the Mahto faction. In addition, several members of the Reforms Manch core committee have also accused other student organisations of working for the benefit of the government and not for the students.
Speaking to India Today, Pawan Goswami, one of the core committee members, said, “We are being associated with several parties today, and that is weakening the movement. We do not want to be associated with a party as the partisan ideologies do not fit with us.” He also slammed the All India Student Association (AISA) for allegedly working in favour of the government. “AISA is here to enfeeble the movement. CPI(ML) Liberation is part of the Hemant Soren-led coalition government. This is exactly what Hemant Soren wants. To create more camps among students so that the movement ultimately falls apart,” Goswami added. Despite the hostility towards other student organisations, the Reforms Manch is not backing away from the planned assembly march that is scheduled to take place tomorrow. “The entire nation knows that we are marching towards the assembly tomorrow. And we will do that,” said Goswami. UNITED BY CAUSE, DIVIDED BY CAMPS Inside the Jaipal Singh Munda ground, several camps belonging to various student organisations have emerged. On one side of the ground stands the Reforms Manch camp. Decked out in blue and white colours, this camp has attracted support from a section of tribal students.
Draped in tricolour-themed T-shirts and with the Flag in their hands, the students were heard sloganeering against the Soren administration. The anger among the tribal students might be a concerning factor for Soren, as tribals form the core support base of his party. Other than the Reforms Manch camp, the Devendra Nath Mahto-led camp is also attracting support from students. Mahto is a member of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha, and he enjoys active support from the party high command as well. Jairam Tiger Mahto, who is the founder and chief of the party, held a dry fast on Sunday in support of the students. Other than these two camps, AISA has also set up its tent. However, not many students have turned up at them. Neha Bora, the national president of AISA, who played a significant role during the Jantar Mantar movement, visited this camp a few days back. Ink was hurled at her while she was leading a march towards the Jharkhand Assembly. SIXTH ROUND OF TALKS TODAY Amid all the uncertainties, the Jharkhand government delegation will meet the protesters on Sunday at 12 pm.
The BriefWire