Kathmandu— Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Monday condemned the violence used against student protesters in Jharkhand who were marching to demand a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations. The protests, organized by the JPSC-JSSC Reform Morcha, led to clashes with police in Ranchi where tear gas, water cannons, and lathi charges were deployed after some demonstrators allegedly attempted to breach barricades. Gandhi asserted that peaceful demonstrations should not be met with force, emphasizing his opposition to any violence against those exercising their right to protest.

Protest Demands and Escalation

Student protesters are demanding the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the recruitment process, and broader reforms. The ‘Vidhan Sabha Gherao’ march was intended as a peaceful demonstration to bring attention to these concerns, but tensions escalated when some participants allegedly attempted to break through police barricades while approaching the Jharkhand Assembly. Police responded by using tear gas shells, water cannons, and lathi charge in an effort to control the crowd.

Calls for Restraint and Peaceful Resolution

Ravindra Paswan, a student leader involved in the protests, appealed for restraint from both sides, stating that demonstrators wished to pursue their demands peacefully and through constitutional means. He acknowledged the presence of some individuals attempting to disrupt the protest but emphasized that the students remained focused on their core issues. “We are peaceful,” Paswan said, adding that students were determined to have their concerns addressed.

Police Response and Claims of Provocation

Ranchi City Superintendent of Police Paras Rana stated that while the majority of protesters were peaceful, a segment damaged barricades and threw stones at police personnel. He claimed that approximately 10 percent of the demonstrators disregarded appeals for calm, but also noted that officers had exercised restraint due to the fact that they were dealing with students. The Enforcement Directorate has also registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act related to the alleged exam irregularities.

Expanding Support and Continued Agitation

The agitation has gained momentum beyond just student groups, with Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha leader Devendra Nath Mahto joining the march after being on hunger strike for nine days. Mahto described the protests as a “mass movement” and indicated that they would continue until the students’ demands are met.

The situation in Ranchi remains tense as protesters maintain their demands for investigation and reform, while authorities continue to monitor the demonstrations.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.