Fresh talks with the government today as students press for a CBI probe and action over alleged exam irregularities
The protest by Jharkhand job aspirants entered its 24th day on Monday. The students are demanding action over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment exams.
The state government has invited the protesters for another round of talks at 2 pm. It will be the seventh meeting between the two sides. Earlier talks failed to end the deadlock.
The protesters want a CBI probe into alleged exam irregularities and paper leaks. They are also demanding cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination.
Six protesters are on an indefinite hunger strike. The stir has continued despite repeated appeals for dialogue.
Tensions rose on Sunday. Protesters burnt effigies of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. They accused the ruling alliance of failing to act on their demands.
The protesters have also announced a gherao of Soren’s residence on August 20. They are demanding his resignation and fixing of responsibility for the alleged irregularities.
The agitation has also led to a political exchange involving Rahul Gandhi. Protesters asked him to visit their protest site and withdraw support from the state government if he was unhappy over the alleged lathi charge on students.
Congress leader Rajesh Thakur urged both sides to continue talks. He said that “stubbornness” was not the solution.
The fresh meeting on Monday could be crucial. The protesters have said they will continue their agitation until their demands are addressed.
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