Police action during assembly-area protest
RANCHI: Jharkhand Police on Monday used water cannon against student protesters who attempted to force their way through barricading during a Vidhan Sabha Gherao march in Ranchi, officials and media reports said. The demonstration was organised by the JPSC-JSSC Reform Morcha to protest alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examinations.
A large number of students and job aspirants had gathered near the Vidhan Sabha as part of the march. Police moved to stop the protesters when they tried to cross three layers of barricades set up around the legislative complex, leading to the use of the water cannon, the reports said.
Protest leaders and demands
Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto joined the march and spoke to the gathering. Mahto, who is reported to be on a hunger strike, carried a portrait of former Chief Minister Shibu Soren during the protest and appealed to authorities to heed the students' demands.
"Despite being on hunger strike, the barbed wires will not be able to stop us. I came here in an ambulance. The government will have to listen to us," Mahto said, according to the reports.
Mahto urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren not to use force against the protesters and warned that any action resulting in injury would inflame the crowd. He said arrest is a legal process but emphasised that there should be no bloodshed. Mahto also said he would not end his fast.
Context and public safety concerns
The protest highlighted long-running grievances among aspirants who allege irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the state commissions. Thousands of candidates have been staging demonstrations in Ranchi, and the issue has become more visible as the Assembly session proceeds.
Officials cited security concerns for the barricading near the Vidhan Sabha. Police said the barricades were in place to maintain law and order during the session and to prevent any breach of the legislative precincts. Reports said protesters crossed multiple layers of barricading before police used the water cannon.
- Who protested: Students and job aspirants organised by the JPSC-JSSC Reform Morcha, joined by JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto.
- Where: Near Vidhan Sabha, Ranchi.
- Why: Alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC-CGL examinations and recruitment processes.
- Police response: Use of water cannon after protesters attempted to break through barricades.
Statements and warnings
Mahto warned that if the government did not address the demands, it would be remembered as the one which "killed democracy," according to the reports. He appealed to people not to make him a hero and described himself as a common man, while stressing that the barbed wire hurt more than the hunger strike.
The reports also carried Mahto's plea on the occasion of the chief minister's birthday, urging authorities not to take steps that might lead to injuries similar to those seen at protests in other parts of the country.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Principal grievance | Alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC-CGL exams |
| Action by police | Use of water cannon to disperse protesters |
| Prominent participant | Devendra Nath Mahto (JLKM) |
Reports did not provide details of injuries, arrests or any follow-up action by the state government or the police. The agitation has drawn political attention and increased security measures in Ranchi as students continue to press for an independent probe and remedial action.
