The student leader Ravindra Paswan has emphasised the importance of maintaining peaceful protests following recent clashes between youth demonstrators and police during the ‘Vidhan Sabha Gherao’ march in Ranchi. The march addressed alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examinations. Paswan reportedly urged the administration to identify any anti-social elements that may be seeking to disrupt the peaceful nature of the protest.

Paswan reaffirmed the commitment of students to their cause, stating, “We are peaceful. Students are adamant about their issues,” while acknowledging concerns over the intervention of disruptive parties. He announced plans to review CCTV footage to recognise individuals involved in any violent incidents, reinforcing a message of identification and accountability. “CCTV footage and video cameras will be examined, and action will be taken,” he added. He encouraged all students to report any suspicious behaviour to their volunteers.

Calling on the state government to take immediate action, Paswan remarked that the demonstration could become historic as participation was expected to grow further by the evening. He insisted that the government should seriously consider the students’ demands and respond without delay.

Clashes Reported Between Protesters and Police

Clashes broke out during the protest as students attempted to move towards the Jharkhand Assembly. In response to escalating tensions, police employed tear gas, water cannons, and lathi charges to manage the situation. Reports indicate that some demonstrators were observed struggling due to the effects of the gas, while others showed signs of injury allegedly sustained during the confrontations.

Local law enforcement has urged all participants to maintain order and avoid actions that might lead to further conflict. Ranchi City Superintendent of Police, Paras Rana, noted that while the majority of students were protesting peacefully, a minority were engaging in aggressive behaviour and causing damage, resulting in injuries to police personnel. He stated, “90 per cent of the students are peaceful, but 10 per cent are paying no heed to anyone.”

The Superintendent insisted that police response had been restrained, calling for students to exercise caution and refrain from violence. “Your demands are reaching the Government; do not show aggression,” he said, reaffirming the need for a composed and lawful demonstration.

Mass Movement Emerges Over Examination Irregularities

The protests, organised by the JPSC-JSSC Reform Morcha, are focused on demands for the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL exam, a CBI inquiry into alleged irregularities, and comprehensive reforms in the recruitment process. Devendra Nath Mahto, a leader from the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM), joined the protests after undertaking a nine-day hunger strike. He stressed the need for the state government to address the students’ grievances, highlighting the widespread support for the cause.

During the march, Mahto expressed determination, stating that the agitation had evolved into a mass movement with unyielding vigour. “This agitation is not going to stop. It has become a mass movement,” he remarked, stating he had opted to participate in the protest despite his condition, demonstrating the level of commitment among the participants. He condemned the government’s use of force against protesters, labelling it as a suppression of their voices.

Amid the ongoing agitation, the Enforcement Directorate has reportedly initiated an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act concerning the alleged examination irregularities. The situation remains tense as student leaders continue to demand the government’s attention to their issues, insisting that their mobilisation will persist until their voices are heard. The protests highlight significant unrest among job aspirants in the state, echoing calls for justice and accountability in recruitment practices.

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