RANCHI, Aug. 10 (Alliance News): Indian police on Monday fired tear gas, used water cannon and baton-charged thousands of students and unemployed youth protesting outside the state legislature in Jharkhand, as demonstrations over alleged irregularities in civil service recruitment examinations intensified.
Television footage showed protesters attempting to breach police barricades while marching towards the state assembly in the eastern Indian state, prompting security forces to intervene.
The protests began late last month over allegations of recruitment examination paper leaks and irregularities in the state’s civil service recruitment process.
The unrest follows weeks of nationwide youth-led demonstrations in New Delhi, where protests over examination paper leaks forced the resignation of India’s former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan last month.
The Delhi protests, which drew nearly 50,000 participants, highlighted growing frustration among young people over corruption in the education system, unemployment and limited job opportunities.
In Jharkhand, protesters are demanding a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s examination system, cancellation of allegedly compromised recruitment tests and a federal investigation into the alleged irregularities.
The movement gained momentum after thousands gathered at a stadium in the state capital, Ranchi, before marching towards the legislative assembly under heavy security.
Demonstrators carried placards, waved the Indian national flag and chanted slogans while attempting to cross security barricades. Some protesters reportedly clashed with police after pushing against barricades.
Police responded by deploying tear gas, water cannon and batons to disperse the crowd.
Authorities said force was used only after sections of the protesters became violent.
“We showed minimal aggression for a really short time because they are just students,” Ranchi Police Commissioner Paras Rana told ANI News.
“I appeal to everyone to remain peaceful and avoid violence. Your demands are reaching the government, so there is no need for aggression,” he added.
The Jharkhand state government, led by a regional party opposed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said it had already held several rounds of dialogue with protest representatives.
State officials said most of the protesters’ demands had been accepted in principle and reaffirmed their willingness to continue discussions to resolve the dispute peacefully.
The latest demonstrations underscore growing concerns among India’s youth over examination transparency, public sector recruitment and employment opportunities, issues that have emerged as significant political challenges ahead of upcoming state elections.
