BHUBANESWAR, India — Police in eastern India’s Jharkhand state on Monday deployed tear gas, batons, and water cannons to disperse thousands of youth protesters marching toward the state legislature. The demonstration stemmed from widespread allegations of wrongdoing in civil service examinations, as shown in television footage.
Students and unemployed youth in Jharkhand, one of India’s more impoverished states, initiated these protests late last month, citing alleged irregularities, including leaks of recruitment test papers.
These protests in Jharkhand follow weeks of similar youth-led demonstrations in the capital, Delhi, also connected to exam paper leaks. The Delhi protests previously led to the resignation of India’s Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, last month. In Delhi, police and paramilitary forces had used tear gas, pellet guns, and batons to scatter approximately 50,000 young protesters, some of whom clashed with authorities. Those demonstrations highlighted anger over perceived corruption in education, a lack of opportunities, and high unemployment rates.
Protesters in Jharkhand are demanding a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s examination system, the cancellation of certain tests, and an investigation by federal police. The current protests began on July 25 and gained intensity after thousands gathered at a stadium in Ranchi, the state capital.
On Monday, protesters advanced toward the state legislature, scaling police barricades, holding placards, waving the national flag, and chanting slogans, all amidst heightened security. Television footage captured moments where some individuals pushed against barricades and scuffled with police, prompting officers to respond with tear gas rounds, water cannons, and batons.
Police stated that they were compelled to use “mild force” after some protesters reportedly turned violent. Ranchi city police chief Paras Rana told ANI news agency, “We showed minimal aggression for a really short time because they are just students. I appeal to everyone to be peaceful and not be violent. Your demands are reaching the government, do not show aggression.”
The state government, controlled by a regional party opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has engaged in discussions with the protesters. It claims that a majority of their demands have been accepted and has expressed openness to further talks.
