Jharkhand student protest: CM Hemant Soren says vested interests trying to disrupt democracy

Over two weeks of Jharkhand student protests persisted, with Chief Minister Hemant Soren promising justice to youth agitators over alleged recruitment exam irregularities. Soren stated that dialogue, not force, could resolve the situation and warned against politicizing the students' cause. He alleged vested interests were working to disrupt democracy in Jharkhand, urging those with political ambitions not to misguide the youth.

Soren pledged that those responsible for irregularities would face strict action and assured transparent justice delivery. The sixth round of talks between the government and agitators was being held at the state guest house in Ranchi. Soren emphasized that weapons were meant for border enemies, not against fellow citizens. He referenced the Delhi protest against the NEET exam paper leak, where youths suffered due to pellet guns, baton charges, and being labeled as traitors.

Soren accused rival political parties and intellectuals of misleading Jharkhand's youth with lies and misinformation. He urged protesters to focus on reforms in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) and seek an independent probe into alleged irregularities, either by the CBI or retired high court judges from outside the state.

The student protests entered their 16th day on Sunday, with six demonstrators on an indefinite hunger strike, seeking justice and reforms.