Jharkhand protests: Tear gas fired on students; cops chase protesters away from Assembly building, Rahul Gandhi reacts [Visuals]

Tensions escalated in Ranchi on Monday as hundreds of students and job aspirants protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's competitive examinations marched towards the state Assembly. The protesters, led by student leader Devendra Nath Mahato under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, have been demanding reforms and accountability in the recruitment process.

The protesters had launched an indefinite hunger strike and later began a march towards the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha, raising concerns over alleged paper leaks and irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). They have demanded structural reforms in the recruitment system and a fair process for job aspirants.

As the protesters moved towards the Assembly, police deployed heavy barricading to stop the march. The situation turned tense after protesters breached barricades, following which police used water cannons, tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowd.

The police action drew sharp political reactions, with Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi condemning the use of force against the protesting students. Gandhi said that using force against students was wrong and urged the Jharkhand government to continue listening to their concerns and resolve the issue through dialogue.

"Every government must listen to what students are saying and take action to change the education system," Gandhi said, according to the Business Today report. He also stressed that the state administration should engage in meaningful dialogue with the youth instead of suppressing their grievances.

The Congress has also reiterated its support for the protesting students, despite being part of the ruling coalition in Jharkhand with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). The party said it stands with the youngsters protesting in Ranchi and supports demands for a fair and transparent recruitment process.

Meanwhile, student representatives have said that their hunger strike will continue until the state government announces concrete measures to address alleged systemic flaws in the recruitment examinations and ensures fair opportunities for job aspirants.

The protests, which began on July 25, have focused on alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and demands for reforms, cancellation of allegedly tainted exams and an independent probe. The latest confrontation near the Assembly has brought renewed attention to the concerns of thousands of young job aspirants in the state.