Student Protests Erupt in Ranchi Over JPSC-JSSC Exams

Protests Escalate in Ranchi

In Ranchi, students are actively protesting against the JPSC-JSSC examinations. During a 'Legislative Assembly Siege' march, clashes broke out between the demonstrators and police once again. To control the crowd, law enforcement resorted to using tear gas. City SP Paras Rana stated that while 90% of the students were peaceful, a small fraction of 10% were uncooperative. He noted that when a group of 700-1000 students disregards instructions, even from their representatives, and breaks through barricades—pushing forward and injuring three police officers—the police maintained restraint despite the situation. The students also threw stones at the officers.

Call for Peaceful Protests

Rana urged everyone to maintain peace and avoid violence, assuring that their demands are reaching the government. He encouraged students to protest peacefully and refrain from throwing stones at the police. Students preparing for the JPSC-JSSC exams have called for unity among all participants in the movement, emphasizing the need for a peaceful assembly march scheduled for Monday. The Ranchi police are fully prepared for the upcoming march, and SP Paras Rana assured the protesting students that no action would be taken against them if the demonstration remained peaceful.

Student Leaders Vow to Continue the Movement

During the assembly siege march, student leader Devendra Nath Mahto declared that the movement would not cease. He described it as a public movement, stating that reversing the word 'youth' results in 'air,' which cannot be stopped. He expressed that the pain of students is evident in the assembly march. Despite undergoing a nine-day hunger strike, he participated in the march on a stretcher, criticizing the government for suppressing their voices and using water cannons and tear gas. He condemned the government's actions, labeling it as cowardly, and asserted that they would continue their efforts. He mentioned that three rounds of discussions with the government had taken place, urging them to fulfill their demands, warning that failure to do so could jeopardize the Chief Minister's position.

Police Response to Protests

Earlier, the Ranchi police used batons and water cannons to disperse the protesting students heading towards the assembly. Jayaram Kumar Mahto, a legislator from the Jharkhand Democratic Revolutionary Front (JLKM), acknowledged that opposition parties would likely offer some support to the protests, as is common. However, he emphasized that the students are angry and that their protests will cease only if their demands are met. He expressed his intention to join the students in their 'Legislative Assembly Siege' march.

Activist Joins the Protests

Activist Devendra Mahto joined the students in their protest march towards the assembly, expressing his inability to hold back amidst the large turnout. He clarified that he is not a deity but an ordinary person, questioning why the government desires chaos and why it refuses to address the students' demands. He thanked the students for their participation and also expressed gratitude to the media while urging everyone to maintain peace.

Stay Updated on National News

For the latest updates on national politics, events, and major news stories, stay tuned to National News.