The agitation being staged by job aspirants over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment exams entered its 19th day on Wednesday, as protestors refused to back down and vowed to intensify their campaign until their demands are met.

Notably, the students have been protesting under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, and have rejected assurances from the Hemant Soren-led government on reforms to the recruitment system. They have demanded greater transparency in exams conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), the cancellation of several exams and an independent probe by the CBI or a panel of retired High Court judges from outside the state.

Police action prompts fresh protests by students

The agitation intensified after the demonstrators confronted the police on Monday, while they were marching towards the state assembly. Police used batons, water cannons and tear gas to disperse the agitators.

While protestors alleged that several students sustained injuries, Ranchi Police said 14 cops were hurt during the clashes. The incident also emerged as a political flashpoint in the state, with the BJP observing a statewide Bandh on Tuesday to protest the police action. Roads were blocked and educational institutions, as well as markets remained closed in several districts, disrupting routine life. Backing the students, the BJP demanded an independent probe into the alleged exam irregularities and accused the JMM government of trying to suppress the voice of protesting youths.

The party also questioned the purpose of government officials visiting the protest site around midnight. On the other hand, the Jharkhand Chhatra Nyaya Group announced a day-long hunger strike and a ‘Kali Patti’ (black armband) protest to condemn the police action.

ABVP, other student groups step up pressure

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student wing led by BJP, also organised a separate march towards the Assembly on Tuesday. Later, in the evening, the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch held a silent procession from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk in Ranchi.

The outfit’s leaders said the agitation would continue and that a fresh programme to intensify the movement would be announced soon.

Meanwhile, out of the six protestors observing an indefinite hunger strike, two have been admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital, as their health deteriorated. JKLM leader Devedra Nath Mahto, who has been fasting for the past 10 days, has been admitted to the emergency ward of the hospital. Doctors treating him said his condition was stable, although he has refused to consume food despite repeated appeals. His blood pressure and blood sugar levels are being monitored closely.

Another protestor, named Rahul Kranti from Palamu, began his fast at the protest site, Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium on August 4. After his health declined, he was admitted to the hospital on August 7. Doctors said his health parameters were normal at present.

6th round of talks fails to end deadlock

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

Cops trying to deter students from marching towards the state assembly

Jharkhand Chief Minister (CM) Hemant Soren has maintained that his government is committed to reforming the exam system and assured protestors that the 14th JPSC exam would be cancelled. Furthermore, he accused the BJP of gaining political mileage by means of students’ agitation.

Owing to the stir, proceedings were also disrupted in the state Assembly, which was adjourned sine die on Tuesday, a day ahead of schedule. Repeated disruptions were witnessed due to the police action against the protestors.