JPSC stir: Protesters breach barricades, break into dance over use of water cannons

Ranchi: The students’ protest against alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC examinations in Jharkhand intensified on Monday, with hundreds of protesting students marching towards the Legislative Assembly in order to lay siege to it.

The protesting students breached eight police barricades during their march and were seen advancing towards the Assembly building before being stopped by the police. Police deployed water cannons to stop the students, yet a large group of protesters stood firm and kept pushing forward.

When the police used water cannons to stop them, the protesters—instead of retreating—were seen raising slogans. Many students were seen standing firm against the water jets, chanting slogans and even dancing, creating a unique spectacle at the protest site.

Police and administrative officials are appealing to the students not to advance further and urging them to protest peacefully. Security arrangements across the area have been tightened, and drone cameras are being used to monitor the protesters’ movements.

After breaching the eighth barricade, the student group have somewhat fragmented, with some trying to move forward while the police are actively trying to contain them.

A tense standoff persists between the police and the protesters at the site.

Earlier, thousands of students from 24 districts launched their march towards the Assembly, waving the Tricolour, posters as well as banners. They have been demanding the cancellation of controversial exams, including the 14th JPSC preliminary examination, reforms in the recruitment process, and a CBI inquiry into the entire matter.

Earlier, the third round of talks between state government and student representatives ended inconclusively on Sunday, prompting the students to announce the plan to lay siege to the Assembly. Following this, students started gathering in various parts of Ranchi since morning, having arrived from various districts via buses, trains, and private vehicles.

Extensive security arrangements have been put in place around the Legislative Assembly and the Chief Minister’s residence in the capital. The administration is attempting to prevent the students from reaching the Assembly complex.

Earlier in the day, former Chief Minister and BJP leader Champai Soren lashed out at the government, remarking that this is not India’s international border where barbed wire is being laid. He questioned the move to erect such barriers against youths demanding their rights and called it calling it a violation of democratic norms.

Notably, the students stir in Jharkhand has been simmering for the past 17 days and today, it emerged as biggest challenge for state’s administrative machinery.

IANS