Jharkhand exam protest enters day 19 as students reject reform assurances

The agitation by Jharkhand students over alleged recruitment exam irregularities entered its 19th day, with protesters rejecting government assurances and intensifying demands for exam reforms, cancellations and an independent probe.

In Short

• Protesters demand independent probe in Jharkhand recruitment exams
• Six demonstrators are fasting indefinitely, with two admitted to Ranchi hospital
• Police used batons, tear gas and water cannons during assembly march

The agitation by students and job aspirants over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations entered its 19th day on Wednesday, with protesters refusing to back down despite assurances from the Hemant Soren government on reforms to the examination system.

The protesters, under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, are seeking greater transparency in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). Their demands include cancellation of several examinations and an independent probe either by the CBI or a panel of retired High Court judges from outside Jharkhand.

The agitation intensified after a clash between protesters and police during a march towards the state Assembly on Monday. Police used water cannons, tear gas and lathis to disperse the demonstrators. While protesters claimed several students were injured, Ranchi Police said 14 personnel were hurt in the confrontation.

The police action triggered a political backlash, with the BJP observing a statewide bandh on Tuesday in protest. Roads were blocked and markets and educational institutions remained shut in several districts, disrupting normal life.

The BJP accused the JMM-led government of attempting to suppress protesting youths and demanded an independent probe into the alleged examination irregularities. The party also questioned the presence of government officials at the protest site around midnight.

The ABVP separately staged a march towards the Assembly on Tuesday, while the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch organised a silent procession from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk in Ranchi.

Meanwhile, students under the Jharkhand Chhatra Nyay banner have announced a one-day hunger strike and a 'kali patti' or black-armband protest against the police action.

The prolonged agitation has also affected the health of protesters. Six demonstrators are on an indefinite hunger strike, with two admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital.

JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been fasting for around 10 days, remains in the hospital's emergency ward. Doctors said his condition was stable but his blood pressure and blood sugar levels were being monitored as he continued to refuse food.

Another protester, Rahul Kranti from Palamu, began his fast at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium on August 4 and was admitted to 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 student representatives on Sunday failed to resolve the deadlock, with both sides accusing the other of not showing seriousness.

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

The issue also disrupted proceedings in the Jharkhand Assembly, which was adjourned sine die on Tuesday, a day ahead of schedule, amid repeated protests over the police action against the students.

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