The JPSC-JSSC aspirants’ protest in Jharkhand has entered its 19th day, with students continuing their hunger strike and demanding action over alleged examination irregularities. Tension rose after a late-night visit by the district administration to the protest site in Ranchi. 

 

The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch continues its protest at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, with students reiterating their demands for cancellation of disputed examinations, a CBI probe and reforms in the recruitment process. The students held a silent march last evening and said the march was intended to highlight their demands in a peaceful and democratic manner. Later, a team of district administration officials visited the protesting students at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium and spoke to those sitting on hunger strike.

 

Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri said the administration had come to check whether the students were facing any difficulties and urged those on hunger strike to take food to protect their health, while assuring 24-hour support. Student leaders said the administration sought details of members of the core committee and assured that they were cooperating with the process. Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto continued his hunger strike for the 10th consecutive day while undergoing treatment at Sadar Hospital. 

 

Later, BJP leaders, including state general secretary Amar Kumar Bauri and state vice-president Bhanu Pratap Shahi, reached the protest site and expressed support for the students.

 

The BJP leaders alleged that the administration was attempting to intimidate the protesters, while the police maintained that the exercise was aimed at identifying possible anti-social elements.

 

The students, however, have reiterated that their protest and hunger strike will continue until their key demands are addressed. Student leaders also appealed to Chief Minister Hemant Soren to resolve their demands at the earliest, warning that the agitation could turn into a mass movement if the issue remains unresolved.