Students Protest in Jharkhand Over Recruitment Exam Irregularities
Unique Protests Erupt in Jharkhand
Photo: @ians_india/X
Ranchi, Aug 10: The protests regarding alleged irregularities in recruitment exams have escalated in Jharkhand, with students employing creative Gen Z-inspired tactics outside the state Assembly. On Monday, one group held a humorous cake-cutting event to celebrate Chief Minister Hemant Soren's birthday, while another protester donned a Spider-Man costume, aiming to capture attention through social media.
Despite increased security measures, students marched towards the Assembly to voice their concerns over the recruitment exam issues. Law enforcement responded with a lathi charge and deployed water cannons as the protesters approached the Assembly.
Water cannons were activated after demonstrators broke through several barricades set up by security forces and continued their advance towards the Assembly.
Even as powerful jets of water were directed at them, many protesters were seen dancing and chanting slogans.
In a related development, the state's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) apprehended L. Khiangte, the former Chairman of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), in connection with the ongoing investigation.
Amid the charged atmosphere outside the Assembly, striking visuals emerged as students gathered at the gates to hold a cake-cutting ceremony for Chief Minister Soren's birthday. This act was intended as a sarcastic protest, linking the celebration to their demands regarding the contested recruitment exams.
One student remarked, "Today is our Hemu Chacha's birthday, so we will celebrate his birthday. Since he is hiding, we will celebrate his happiness and birthday here. In return gift, we demand the cancellation of all the exams which faced irregularities, CBI probe and fulfilment of our other demands."
Another student, dressed as Spider-Man, explained that this costume represented a modern approach to protesting against the government. "Since we are Gen Z, our way of protesting is a little different. That is why I have perhaps come here dressed as Spider-Man today. Perhaps our voice is not reaching the government properly. We have protested peacefully so far. We will also make every effort here to continue our protest peacefully and get our demands fulfilled," he stated.
During the march towards the Vidhan Sabha, another student humorously criticized the state government by suggesting they should sell 'Hariya', a traditional tribal drink, instead of examination papers. Holding a placard that read 'Hariya becho, exam nahi', the student said, "Hariyaa (a traditional rice-based fermented drink) is a major product of our state, and we offer it to our God. It is also a source of income for our tribal brothers. So, if you sell Hariyaa, they will earn an income. If you want to sell something, sell this, but please don't sell our exams or our future."
The protests are spearheaded by candidates demanding increased transparency, accountability, and fairness in the recruitment process.
The situation intensified as protesters successfully breached multiple barricades set up by security personnel and continued their march towards the Vidhan Sabha.
Devendra Nath Mahto, a fasting student leader, also participated in the demonstration on a stretcher.
The students have vowed to persist with their protests until their demands regarding the recruitment exams are met and those responsible for the irregularities are held accountable.