New Delhi [India], August 10 (ANI): Congress MP Pawan Khera on Monday termed the arrest of former Jharkhand Public Commission (JPSC) Chairperson L Khiangte a “dream” amid ongoing protests by government job aspirants over irregularities in JPSC and JSSC-CGL examinations, and alleged that “the Gujarat model” has failed to protect rights of students.
“In a bid to provide speedy justice to students and a prompt resolution to the ongoing student protests, former JPSC Chairperson L Khiangte has been arrested by the Jharkhand CID. This feels like a dream in a country where the central government seems hell-bent on shielding those responsible for trampling students’ rights. Clearly, the Gujarat model is a scam,” Khera said in a post on X.
https://x.com/Pawankhera/status/2086760402717716949
The Jharkhand CID confirmed the arrest of Khiangte as student groups continued their agitation in Ranchi, demanding a full and independent CBI investigation into the JSSC-CGL examination and wider reforms in the functioning of the JPSC and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
The development came amid clashes between student protesters and police during the ‘Vidhan Sabha Gherao’ march in Ranchi today. The march was organised by the JPSC-JSSC Reform Morcha against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.
Police used tear gas shells, water cannons and lathi charge after a section of protesters allegedly attempted to breach barricades while marching towards the Jharkhand Assembly.
Student leader Ravindra Paswan appealed for restraint and said the protesters wanted to pursue their demands peacefully and through constitutional means.
“We are peaceful. Students are adamant about their issues. A few anti-social elements are attempting to take the protest in a different direction. But we, the students, are supporting our issue,” Paswan told ANI.
Ranchi City Superintendent of Police Paras Rana said most students were peaceful, but alleged that a section of protesters damaged barricades and pelted stones at police personnel.
“90 per cent of the students are peaceful, but 10 per cent are paying no heed to anyone,” Rana said, adding that police had exercised restraint because the protesters were students.
The protesting aspirants are demanding cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, a CBI probe into alleged irregularities and reforms in the recruitment process.
Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on hunger strike for nine days, also joined the march. He said the agitation had become a “mass movement” and would continue until the students’ demands were addressed.
Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with the examination irregularities. (ANI)
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