Jharkhand Job Protest Enters 21st Day, Tiranga Yatra Planned

Student protesters in Jharkhand entered the 21st day of their agitation on Friday, with plans to march under the national flag on Independence Day. The demonstrators, organized under the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, have been demanding greater transparency in state recruitment examinations, the cancellation of several tests, and an independent investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation or a panel of retired judges from outside the state.

The Ranchi district administration filed an FIR against 300 unnamed people after a march toward the state assembly on August 10 turned violent. Fourteen police personnel were injured in the confrontation. Officers used batons, water cannons, and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Ranchi Superintendent of Police Paras Rana said the case relates to violations of prohibitory orders, damage to government property, and attacks on police. DSP Neeraj Kumar said no arrests have been made; police are reviewing video footage to identify those involved in the violence.

Protest leader Ravindra Paswan told reporters the group had no objection to the FIR against unidentified persons. He appealed to the administration not to file charges against any student. The protesters plan to hold a 'Tiranga Yatra' on August 15, the country's 80th Independence Day, which they said would strengthen their movement.

Concern has grown over the health of Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on hunger strike for 13 days. Mahto was admitted to Sadar Hospital on Monday after his condition deteriorated. He later sought permission from the Ranchi civil surgeon to return to the protest site. Four other students on hunger strike are also receiving treatment.