Jharkhand Student Protest Day 19: Protesters Demand CBI Probe And JSSC CGL Cancellation

The student-led movement in Jharkhand against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations has reached its 19th consecutive day. Protesting students in Ranchi have declared a decisive battle against the state government, asserting that they won't back down until their primary demands are met, while these demands include the complete cancellation of the JSSC CGL examination and the initiation of an independent investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure transparency in the recruitment process.

Midnight Tensions and Administrative Patrols

The protest site witnessed significant tension on Tuesday night. According to the demonstrators, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) were seen patrolling the areas surrounding the protest ground late at night. The students alleged that the street lights on the ground and the adjacent roads were switched off for a period of time. This action sparked fears among the protesters that the administration might attempt to forcibly end the agitation under the cover of darkness, similar to previous actions taken during the assembly protests. Despite the external lights being turned off, the protesters noted that the lights and fans inside their tents remained operational, allowing them to continue their vigil through the night.

Health Crisis Among Hunger Strikers

The physical toll of the prolonged protest is becoming increasingly evident as the health of several students deteriorates. Protesters reported that Rahul, who was on a hunger strike, had to be rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Following him, another student named Abiba also required hospitalization after her condition worsened, while currently, two other students, Rupesh and Savita, are continuing their hunger strike, which has now entered its 9th day. The protesting group claims that both Rupesh and Savita are sustaining themselves only on water. Meanwhile, student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on a hunger strike for approximately 10 days, remains admitted to the emergency ward. Medical professionals have stated that while his condition is currently stable, he has consistently refused to consume any food despite repeated appeals from the doctors, while his vital signs, including blood pressure and blood sugar levels, are being closely monitored by the medical staff.

Escalation of Protests and Police Confrontation

The movement has gained further momentum following a recent march toward the state assembly. Under the banner of Jharkhand Chhatra Nyay, students organized a one-day hunger strike and wore black bands to protest against the police lathi-charge that occurred during Monday's march. During that confrontation, security forces used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd, leading to allegations from the students that several of their peers were injured. Conversely, the Ranchi police reported that 14 of their personnel sustained injuries during the clashes with the protesters. The students maintain that the use of force by the administration won't deter them from their path.

Political Fallout and State-Wide Impact

The ongoing standoff has triggered a significant political storm in Jharkhand. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) observed a state-wide bandh on Tuesday to protest against the police action on students. The BJP has demanded an independent inquiry into the alleged exam irregularities and accused the JMM-led government of attempting to suppress the voices of the youth. Party leaders also questioned the intentions of government officials who visited the protest site around midnight, while in a separate development, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) also took to the streets, organizing a march toward the assembly to show solidarity with the protesting students.

New Strategies and Failed Negotiations

The JPSC-JSSC Reform Manch organized a silent march on Tuesday evening, moving from the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk in Ranchi. Organization leaders have indicated that the movement will continue to intensify, with plans to announce a new strategy soon. On the administrative front, the deadlock remains unbroken despite 6 rounds of talks between the government and student representatives. Both sides have accused each other of a lack of seriousness in resolving the issues. Chief Minister Hemant Soren has reiterated his government's commitment to reforming the examination system and assured the protesters that the 14th JPSC examination would be cancelled. However, he also accused the opposition BJP of turning a genuine student movement into a political platform.