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.
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.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.
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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.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.