NEW DELHI: Thousands of job aspirants protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations clashed with security forces on Monday after breaching multiple barricades and attempting to reach the state assembly. Police used water cannons, fired tear gas shells and carried out a lathi-charge as protesters moved towards the assembly premises.The protest, now in its 17th day, has intensified despite several rounds of talks between the government and demonstrators.The agitators are demanding cancellation of several recruitment exams, reforms in the JPSC and JSSC, and an independent probe into alleged irregularities.
‘Let’s resolve issue through dialogue’: Jharkhand CM assures action to protesters
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the officials and personnel of the administration and police for handling the situation during today’s student movement with restraint, sensitivity, and complete responsibility. My dear young companions, you have raised your voice for your demands in a peaceful manner. In a democracy, it is your right to express your views, and it is the government’s responsibility to respect your voice. The government has heard you. Our senior ministers have been in constant dialogue with you, and I assure you that action will be taken on your demands with utmost seriousness and sensitivity. In the past few days, you have seen that the government has spared no one, no matter who the guilty party is. Our clear objective is to eliminate such shortcomings in the system so that no student has to face trouble in the future,” he said.“We want to make the examination system more transparent, technology-enabled, secure, and accountable. Your participation in this change is the most important. Our effort is that Jharkhand should not just discuss problems, but set a new example of solutions from here. I also understand that amidst your peaceful movement, some people from the opposition have tried to spoil the atmosphere and mislead students for political gain. I appeal to all of you not to fall into the trap of any such political narrative. You are the future of Jharkhand. It is not about ignoring your voice, but listening to it and resolving your problems—that is our responsibility. I will reiterate my point: let us resolve this issue together through dialogue and trust,” he added.
Protesters enter assembly premises; House adjourned
Some protesters breached barricades and entered the Jharkhand assembly premises. Police used water cannons and fired several rounds of tear gas when the protesters reached the final barricade near Jagannathpur Temple, around 200 metres from the assembly.Despite the security action, a section of protesters managed to symbolically enter the assembly premises. Police also resorted to a lathi-charge after the demonstrators attempted to move forward.Several protesters claimed they were injured, including female students. The assembly was adjourned for the day in the afternoon.Four policemen were injured after protesters allegedly pelted stones at security personnel during a march towards the Jharkhand assembly in Ranchi, city SP Paras Rana said.Moreover, JLKM leader Devendra Mahto was hospitalised after his health deteriorated during a nine-day hunger strike.The BJP has called for a Jharkhand bandh on Tuesday in protest against the alleged police atrocities and lathi-charge on students demonstrating over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.The march began around 10.30am from outside the old assembly building and coincided with chief minister Hemant Soren’s 51st birthday.
Former JPSC chief L Khiangte arrested in recruitment exam case
Jharkhand CID arrested former JPSC chairperson L Khiangte in connection with alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 20.Khiangte, a 1988-batch IAS officer, was appointed JPSC chairperson in February last year after retiring as the state’s chief secretary. He resigned from the post on July 22, saying he had voluntarily stepped down to facilitate an impartial investigation.The former JPSC chief had been questioned four times since July 28. His arrest came a day after all three JPSC members — Ajeeta Bhattacharya, Anima Hansda and Jamal Ahmad — resigned after being summoned by the CID for questioning.
Rahul Gandhi condemns use of force against students
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the use of force against the protesting students, saying they had a right to peaceful protest.“The use of force against students protesting in Jharkhand is wrong,” Gandhi said, adding that only dialogue could resolve the issue. He urged the state government to continue listening to the protesters and resolve their concerns immediately.
Protesters demand cancellation of exams, independent probe
The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, which is spearheading the agitation, has demanded comprehensive reforms in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission.
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The protesters are seeking cancellation of several recruitment examinations, including the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination, and an independent probe by either the CBI or a panel of retired High Court judges from outside the state.They said the government had agreed to cancel only three of the 13 examinations they want scrapped.
Government accuses BJP of hijacking protest
State minister Sudivya Kumar alleged that the agitation had moved beyond a students’ movement and was being driven by the BJP’s political agenda. He claimed the government had already fulfilled 95% of the protesters’ demands.BJP Yuva Morcha state president Shashank Raj, however, called the police action a “black day for democracy” and urged chief minister Hemant Soren not to be “insensitive” towards the students’ demands.
