In Jharkhand, the issue of irregularities in JPSC-JSSC recruitment examinations has escalated, with clashes reported between student protesters and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha supporters last evening in Ranchi, Giridih and Hazaribagh.

In Ranchi, a scuffle broke out as students marched towards Albert Ekka Chowk to protest against Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Student leaders alleged that Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) supporters and police manhandled protesters, while police accused some protesters of violating the designated route and creating disturbances.

They accused the state government of deceiving job aspirants after the Jharkhand High Court stayed notifications cancelling appointments linked to several recruitment examinations, which had earlier been cancelled by the Hemant Soren government, prompting the student faction to call off their strikes.

Meanwhile, the JPSC-JSSC Abhyarthi Nyay Manch, led by student leader Devendra Mahto, announced a statewide ‘Recruitment System Reform Yatra’ from the 24th of this month. The yatra will begin from Nemra and cover all 24 districts of Jharkhand. Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato alleged that the government has failed to effectively defend its cancellation orders for multiple recruitment tests and the CID investigation before the High Court. The forum has warned of a march to the Chief Minister’s residence and an indefinite road blockade if the government fails to strongly present its case during the High Court hearing on 15th September.