Cop Presence At Site Sparks Eviction Fears
The protest at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi entered its 19th day on Wednesday
Ranchi: Tension gripped the recruitment examination protesters at Jaipal Munda Singh Stadium here after senior district and police officers arrived with a large police contingent on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, fuelling fears of a forced eviction even as five on hunger strike were hospitalised due to deteriorating health.The late-night mobilisation also prompted BJP functionaries and workers to rush to the site and oppose any alleged attempt to use force against the agitating aspirants.Members of the JPSC-JSSC Reform Manch, however, remained defiant on Wednesday, declaring that they would not end the protest, which entered its 19th day, and appealing to students across Jharkhand to join the agitation in large numbers. The protesters are demanding cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities.“The DC came after 18 days to check on us and enquire about our well-being. But the arrival of so many officials and police personnel together made the students apprehensive,” protest leader Piyush said.The administration maintained that the visit was intended to review the situation and assess the health of protesters, several of whom have been on a prolonged hunger strike.The agitation has already taken a toll: two JPSC-JSSC Reform Manch members and three on fast from the JPSC-JSSC Nyay Manch have been admitted to hospital. None, however, has withdrawn from the fast.School and college students also visited the protest site on Wednesday to express solidarity. Rohit, a Class VI student, said he wanted a fair recruitment system before becoming eligible for competitive examinations.An undergraduate student, Anup Gope, said recruitment uncertainty was driving aspirants towards central govt examinations. Another student Amar Lohra said vacancies remaining pending for years had deepened frustration among youths and intensified competition for every recruitment drive.
