Students preparing for government examinations have once again protested in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand. The students who were about to burn the effigies of Hemant Soren and Rahul Gandhi near Albert Ekka Chowk were beaten badly. A large number of policemen were deployed at Albert Chowk, but before them, people seen in Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) uniforms made the protesters run and beat them.
Student leader Ravindra Paswan told that the program of burning his effigy was already fixed. They reached there, but the Jharkhand government sent goons to every district under the guise of police. He said that lathicharge was taking place in every district and here also the police used force.
Also read: Ban on cancellation of JPSC exam, shock to Hemant government from High Court
Ravindra Paswan, student leader:-
The program of burning our effigy was already fixed. We went there, but 'Jharkhand Government', under the guise of police, sent goons to every district and we will give a befitting reply. Lathicharge was done in every district and here also the police used force. Lathis were fired. Two of our female colleagues were beaten up.
'Sisters were killed by pulling their scarf'
Ravindra Paswan told that the protesters were beaten with sticks and two of his female companions were beaten up. Piyush Kumar, another protesting student leader, alleged that the sisters were dragged by their dupatta, attempts were made to tear their clothes and they were beaten. He said that the government is sending goons under the guise of administration. Students will answer this.
Piyush Kumar, student leader:-
Our sisters were dragged by their scarfs; Attempts were made to tear his clothes and he was beaten. The government is sending goons under the guise of administration.
How did violence suddenly erupt in Ranchi?
A large number of students had gathered at Albert Chowk under the leadership of Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) Reforms Manch. He had come to burn the effigies of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The students allege that the state government did not take any concrete steps on the issues of transparency and alleged rigging.
According to the police, the protesters left the designated route and moved towards the JPSC office, causing a traffic jam. Lalpur police station officer Rupesh Kumar Singh said that the police appealed several times to walk on the prescribed route, but the students did not agree. After this, when the police tried to control the crowd, a scuffle started.
Also read: Jharkhand: One ends, another begins, job seekers protest when exam is cancelled.
What are the students' allegations?
Student leaders say that the police tried to stop the peaceful demonstration. Forum leader Ravindra Paswan said that no one can stop the protest in a democratic manner. Another leader Piyush Kumar Singh alleged that Kunal, a core committee member of the forum, was detained. He became unconscious and was taken to Sadar Hospital. The protesters also alleged that workers of the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha attacked the women protesters.
When the government agreed, then why protest?
Jharkhand High Court has stayed the government notification of cancellation of appointments related to JSSC-CGL and 11th and 13th JPSC examinations. The court has asked the government to reply within 15 days. Earlier, the 26-day long student movement was postponed after assurance from the government. The government had promised to cancel 22 exams and investigate 23 others. Now the students have said that if the government is not able to present its case properly in the High Court on September 15, then they will gherao the Chief Minister's residence.