Kathmandu— Jharkhand Police used water cannons against student protesters in Ranchi on Monday as they attempted to reach the Vidhan Sabha (state legislative assembly) during a march protesting alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL). The protest, led by the JPSC-JSSC Reform Morcha, drew a large crowd demanding investigations into recruitment processes. A leader from another organization joined the march, urging the government to address the students’ concerns.

Protest and Police Response

A significant number of student protesters gathered near the Vidhan Sabha in Ranchi, initiating the ‘Vidhan Sabha Gherao’ march to voice their grievances regarding alleged irregularities in recent examinations. As protesters attempted to breach police barricades, authorities responded by deploying water cannons to disperse the crowd. The demonstration aimed to pressure officials to address concerns about fairness and transparency in the JPSC and JSSC-CGL recruitment processes.

Leader's Appeal and Hunger Strike

Devendra Nath Mahto, a leader of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM), joined the protest march and stated that the state government “will have to listen to the students’ demands.” He carried a portrait of former Chief Minister Shibu Soren during the demonstration. Mahto has been on a nine-day hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, the main protest site, in support of the student's demands. He emphasized his commitment to the cause, stating that barbed wire barriers were more painful than his hunger strike.

Concerns Over Escalation and Investigation

Mahto appealed to Chief Minister Hemant Soren not to authorize police action against protesters, particularly on his birthday, referencing past incidents at Jantar Mantar. He warned that a forceful response could further agitate the crowd and be remembered as an attack on democracy. Simultaneously, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to investigate alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the JPSC.

Demands for CBI Probe

Protesters are demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged irregularities. Mahto stated he would continue his fast until their demands were met, adding, “I am no God or messiah; I am a common man.” He questioned why the government was unwilling to address student concerns and expressed concern over potential bloodshed.

The ED’s registration of an ECIR indicates a broadening investigation into the alleged irregularities, while protesters remain steadfast in their demands for a CBI probe and accountability.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.