Jharkhand exam protest enters 19th day as students vow to intensify 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 the stir until their demands are met.

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.

The protesters 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 against the police lathi-charge on students during their march towards the state assembly on Monday.

Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protesters in addition to the baton charge. Demonstrators alleged that several students were injured, while Ranchi Police said 14 of its personnel were injured in the clashes.

The confrontation led to a political showdown, with the BJP observing a statewide bandh on Tuesday in protest against the police action. Roads were blocked, educational institutions were shut and markets were closed in several districts as the bandh disrupted 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 who visited 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 that a fresh programme to intensify the protest would be announced soon.

The prolonged agitation has also affected the health of protesters. Six demonstrators are observing an indefinite hunger strike, with two of them admitted to 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, began his fast at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium on August 4 and was admitted to the hospital on August 7 after his condition deteriorated. Doctors said his health parameters were currently normal.

The sixth round of talks between the government and representatives of the protesting students on Sunday failed to break the deadlock, with both sides accusing each other of lacking seriousness.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren has maintained that his government is committed to reforming the examination system and assured the protesters that the 14th JPSC examination would be cancelled. He has also accused the BJP of turning the students’ agitation into a political platform.

The issue also disrupted the assembly, which was adjourned sine die on Tuesday, a day ahead of schedule, following repeated disruptions over the police action against the protesters.