Students protesting alleged irregularities in PSC and SSC examinations in Jharkhand will march towards the state Assembly in Ranchi on Monday, marking the 17th consecutive day of their agitation.
More than 5,000 students reached the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium late on Sunday night after gathering at Morabadi Maidan. They plan to march towards the Assembly and demand the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities.
Three-tier security deployed
The police and administration have made extensive security arrangements to prevent the protesters from reaching the Assembly.
Barbed wire has been installed at several locations and Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been imposed. A three-tier security arrangement has been put in place, while CCTV cameras are being used to monitor the protest site and surrounding areas.
Barricades have been installed at the Assembly’s main gate. Water cannon vehicles have been stationed within a 2km radius of the Assembly premises.
Additional police personnel have also been brought in from other districts.
A large number of personnel have been deployed in the assembly complex.
The main gate has been completely barricaded.
No agreement on JSSC-CGL cancellation, CBI probe
The students and the state government held their third round of talks on Sunday.
The government claimed that around 98% of the students’ demands had been accepted. It also agreed to cancel the JPSC preliminary examination.
However, no agreement was reached on the students’ demand to cancel the JSSC-CGL examination and hand over the investigation into the alleged irregularities to the CBI.
Now, photos related to the students’ protest
Students have been protesting at Jaipal Singh Stadium in Ranchi for the past 17 days.
Barbed wire has been installed at various places in Ranchi to prevent the gherao (siege) of the Assembly.
Actor Piyush Mishra met Devendranath Mahto, who is on a hunger strike. During this, he encouraged the students by singing ‘Aarambh Hai Prachand’.
In support of the students, JLKM MLA Jairam Mahto observed a one-day fast on Sunday.
Three JPSC members resign
Meanwhile, the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) has seen a major administrative change.
Three commission members — Ajita Bhattacharya, Jameel Ahmed and Anima Hansda — have resigned from their posts. They submitted their resignations to the Governor, who accepted them.
Earlier, on 22 July, JPSC chairman L. Khiangte had also resigned.
The CID is currently investigating allegations of irregularities in JPSC recruitment examinations. Commission members are being questioned as part of the probe.
Dr Ajita Bhattacharya is scheduled to be questioned on 10 August.
