Jharkhand recruitment protest intensifies as opposition demands CBI probe

The protest over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand intensified on Thursday as opposition MLAs staged demonstrations inside the Assembly premises on the opening day of the Monsoon Session while the studentled agitation entered its 13th day with six protesters continuing an indefinite hunger strikeThe movement which began on July 25 under the banner of the JPSCJSSC Reforms Manch at Ranchis Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium has emerged as one of the states largest student protests in recent yearsOpposition targets government in AssemblyAhead of the Assembly proceedings MLAs from the opposition NDA staged a protest demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation CBI probe into the alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission JPSCThe legislators accused the Hemant Sorenled government of failing to protect the interests of job aspirants and raised slogans against the administrationBJP chief whip Naveen Jaiswal alleged that the future of the states youth was being compromised and questioned the governments decision to order an internal inquiryHe said the committee constituted by the state government lacked credibility and reiterated the oppositions demand for a CBI investigationBJP MLA Neera Yadav also criticised the Congress accusing the party of adopting different positions on examinationrelated protests in Delhi and Jharkhand The Congress an ally in the Jharkhand government has nevertheless expressed support for the protesting studentsStudents demand cancellation of JPSC examinationThe protesters are seeking cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination and an independent investigation into the alleged recruitment irregularities by either the CBI or a panel of retired High Court judges from outside the stateChief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday described examination paper leaks as a national issue and expressed willingness to hold discussions with the protesters to resolve the impasseState Minister Sudivya Kumar on Thursday said the government was taking the students concerns seriously and hoped constructive dialogue could help find a solutionFifth day of Devendra Nath Mahto indefinite hunger strikeThe indefinite hunger strike has continued to intensify with Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto entering the fifth day of his fastFive more protesters including two women have joined the hunger strike to strengthen the movementConcern grew over Mahtos health after his blood pressure and blood sugar levels reportedly dropped significantlySocial activist Sonam Wangchuk who recently observed a prolonged hunger strike over the NEET paper leak issue spoke to Mahto over the phone and urged him to at least drink water to protect his health Following the appeal Mahto agreed to consume water while continuing his protestProtesters said they had resorted to the hunger strike after repeated appeals to the government failed to produce any concrete actionWith several student organisations planning to gherao the Assembly on August 7 and August 10 authorities have imposed prohibitory orders within a 750metre radius of the Assembly complex from August 6 to August 12 between 6 am and 10 pmMeanwhile the CID investigation into the alleged recruitment scam has also gathered paceOfficials said 19 people have been arrested so far including five on Wednesday Former JPSC chairman L Khiangte has also been questioned multiple times as investigators continue to probe the alleged irregularities in the recruitment processWith inputs from PTI