Kathmandu— The Jharkhand chapter of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for a statewide strike today, following Monday’s use of force by police against student protesters in Ranchi. The protest was organized by aspirants of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), who allege irregularities in recent examinations. BJP leaders have condemned the police action, claiming hundreds of students were injured during a lathicharge and tear gas deployment, while the state government maintains officials acted with restraint.

BJP Condemns Police Response

Jharkhand BJP president Aditya Sahu sharply criticized the Hemant Soren-led government over the police response to the student protest. He alleged that hundreds of students were injured in the lathicharge and announced the party’s support for a ‘statewide bandh’ on Tuesday. Sahu accused the government of “injustice and atrocities,” citing allegations of job selling and exam paper leaks, as well as what he described as a “barbaric” use of force against students.

Protestors Demand Investigation

The protesting aspirants are demanding the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in both the JPSC and JSSC exams, and broader reforms to the recruitment process. They have been staging sit-ins and hunger strikes for the past 15 days, according to Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi. Marandi himself was detained along with other supporters while demonstrating alongside the students.

Government Defends Actions

Chief Minister Hemant Soren stated that his government respects the students’ right to protest and assured them their demands would be addressed through dialogue. He also commended administrative and police officials for handling the situation with “restraint, sensitivity, and a deep sense of responsibility.” However, Sahu countered this claim, suggesting Soren lacks understanding of poverty and struggle.

School Closures Anticipated

Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri indicated that many schools are expected to remain closed Tuesday due to the bandh. He stated that the decision regarding school closures was left to individual management teams, with a focus on prioritizing student safety and minimizing disruption. Authorities have also expressed concern about potential violence from anti-social elements exploiting the situation.

The statewide strike is currently underway, and authorities are monitoring the situation for any further unrest or disruptions. The government has yet to announce any specific plans to address the students’ demands beyond offering dialogue.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.