Jharkhand exam protests enter 19th day, students vow to intensify agitation
The agitation by job aspirants over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations entered its 19th day on Wednesday, with protesters vowing to intensify their stir
The agitation by job aspirants over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations entered its 19th day on Wednesday, with protesters vowing to intensify their stir until their demands are met. The students, protesting under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, have refused to call off their agitation despite assurances from the Hemant Soren government on reforms in the recruitment system. They are demanding greater transparency in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), cancellation of several tests and an independent probe by the CBI or a panel of retired high court judges from outside the state. Meanwhile, students under the banner of Jharkhand Chhatra Nyay have announced a one-day hunger strike and a 'kali patti' (black armband) protest to condemn the police lathi-charge on students during their march towards the state assembly on Monday.
Besides the baton charge, police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protesters. While demonstrators alleged that several students sustained injuries, Ranchi Police said 14 of its personnel were injured in the clashes. The confrontation triggered a political showdown, with the BJP observing a statewide bandh on Tuesday to protest the police action. Roads were blocked, educational institutions were shut, and markets were closed in several districts as the bandh hit normal life. The BJP demanded an independent probe into the alleged examination irregularities and accused the JMM-led government of suppressing the voice of protesting youths. The party also questioned the intentions of government officials visiting the dharna site around midnight. The ABVP also staged a separate march towards the assembly on Tuesday. The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch held a silent procession on Tuesday evening from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk in Ranchi.
Leaders of the outfit said the agitation would continue, and a fresh programme to intensify the protest would be announced soon. The agitation has also taken a toll on the health of protesters. Six demonstrators are observing an indefinite hunger strike, with two of them admitted at Ranchi Sadar Hospital. JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on fast for about 10 days, remains admitted in the emergency ward. Doctors said his condition was stable, though he has refused food despite repeated appeals. His blood pressure and blood sugar levels are being closely monitored. Another protester, Rahul Kranti from Palamu, who began his fast at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium on August 4, was admitted to the hospital on August 7 after his condition deteriorated. Doctors said his health parameters were currently normal.
The BriefWire