Indian police fire tear gas, use batons to disperse youth protesters

On Monday, police in eastern India's Jharkhand state deployed tear gas, batons, and water cannons to disperse thousands of youth protesters marching towards the state legislature. The protests, which began on July 25, were sparked by alleged wrongdoing in civil service examinations, including the leak of recruitment test papers. This follows weeks of similar demonstrations in New Delhi over the same issue, which led to the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan last month.

In Jharkhand, students and unemployed youth took to the streets to demand an overhaul of the state's examination system, cancellation of certain tests, and an investigation by the federal police. TV footage showed protesters climbing over police barricades, holding placards and national flags, and shouting slogans during the march. Some pushed against the barricades, resulting in scuffles with police who responded with tear gas, water cannons, and baton charges.

Ranchi city police chief Paras Rana stated that force was used only when protesters became violent. The state government, ruled by a regional party opposed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has held discussions with the protesters and claimed that most of their demands have been accepted. The government remains open to further negotiations.