Ranchi: Students protesting alleged irregularities in government recruitment examinations in Jharkhand are set to march towards the state Assembly Monday, intensifying their agitation after talks with the Hemant Soren government failed to yield a breakthrough.
The protesters said they would hold their peaceful demonstration and would carry the national flag as a symbol of their commitment to a non-violent movement. The students are demanding justice and action against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted in the state.
The deadlock between the students and the government continues over the protesters’ demands for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged examination irregularities and the cancellation of a Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examination. The state government has rejected both demands.
Speaking to IANS, a student protester said, “We are heading towards the Vidhan Sabha, and our protest will be peaceful. Students are coming from far-off places to participate. Until the government accepts our demands, we are not going to stop. We are not afraid of the preparations made by the government. The sacrifice of all the students who are on a hunger strike will not go in vain. We will continue to protest because the government is not doing justice to us.”
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Another student said, “We will march towards the Vidhan Sabha. I have cleared three examinations, but I have not been allotted a job. That is why we are protesting.”
A third student expressed determination to continue the agitation, saying, “We are all ready to protest and will soon head towards the Vidhan Sabha.
Another protester emphasised the peaceful nature of the march and said, “We are protesting peacefully. Even if a lathi charge is used against us, we are prepared. This march will remain peaceful. We are carrying the Tiranga in our hands and do not have any weapons.”
One more student said, “We are going towards the Vidhan Sabha and will stage our protest there. Once we reach the Assembly, we will carry out our planned programme.”
Meanwhile, student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been participating in the agitation, said the protest had entered its ninth day and that his health had deteriorated due to the ongoing hunger strike.
“Today is the ninth day of the protest, and my condition is quite weak. I have been continuously giving updates, and my health is worsening. However, the pain and suffering faced by students due to repeated paper leaks are far greater,” he said.
A doctor monitoring Mahto’s condition said, “Compared to yesterday, he is better today. He was experiencing weakness and low blood sugar levels, so we administered intravenous fluids. His vital parameters are currently stable.”
