Kathmandu— Protesters in Ranchi have accused local officials of attempting to suppress their movement by targeting Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha leader Devendra Nath Mahato during an ongoing demonstration over alleged recruitment examination irregularities. The allegations surfaced as activists claim medical teams have made repeated nighttime visits to the protest site, mirroring tactics used during previous student demonstrations in Delhi.

Allegations of Targeted Suppression

Prem Nayak, a participant in the ongoing protests, alleged that administration officials are attempting to remove Devendra Nath Mahato from the protest site. Nayak suggested that the administration may be attempting to move Mahato to a hospital under the guise of medical necessity to effectively stifle the movement's momentum.

"Given the way the administration is behaving, it seems somewhere they want to lift Devendra Nath Mahato," Nayak said, comparing the situation to the removal of activist Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar during student protests in Delhi. He expressed concern that once Mahato is removed, the movement will be suppressed.

Demands for Examination Transparency

The demonstrations at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium were ignited by the announcement of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination results on July 5. Aspirants have since maintained an indefinite sit-in, alleging significant irregularities in the recruitment process.

The protesters are demanding the cancellation of all JSSC CGL, JSSC JE, and PGT exams conducted after 2019. Their list of demands includes a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities, strict action against involved agencies and mafias, and the disclosure of category-wise cut-offs, OMR copies, and response sheets to ensure transparency.

Commitment to Constitutional Protest

Despite the tension, protesters maintain that their actions remain strictly within legal and constitutional boundaries. Nayak emphasized that the movement is being conducted peacefully and that the crowd at the stadium continues to grow as the sit-in persists.

"We want to tell the Government of India and the Government of Jharkhand that we are holding our constitution in our hands and carrying out our movement constitutionally," Nayak said. He urged the government to refrain from harassment, noting that the protesters are simply seeking accountability and a recruitment calendar modeled after UPSC and SSC standards.

The indefinite sit-in continues as protesters demand a standardized recruitment calendar and full transparency regarding the examination process.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.