NEW DELHI: Congress leader Sam Pitroda on Monday backed protesting students in Jharkhand as an agitation over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations intensified in Ranchi. Criticising the government’s use of lathis, tear gas and water cannons, Pitroda called for “reform, accountability and compassion” as the protests entered their 18th day.The development comes as the Jharkhand students’ ‘Vidhan Sabha gherao’ march in Ranchi on Monday saw police use lathis and water cannons to disperse protesters. The march was organised over alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).The protesters are demanding, among other measures, the cancellation of the JSSC-Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged irregularities and reforms in the recruitment process.In a series of posts on X, the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) global chairman said the grievances of young people should be addressed through dialogue.“The images from Ranchi disturb me deeply”, he wrote.Pitroda said students should not be met with force, calling them India’s future and expressing solidarity with Jharkhand’s youth.In another post, Pitroda said, “Democracy requires governments to create space for peaceful dissent, dialogue and resolution.”Pitroda’s remarks came after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also condemned the police action and called for dialogue with the protesting students, urging the Jharkhand government to address their grievances. The Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government is run by a JMM-led coalition in which the Congress is a partner.Pitroda also said the protesting youth deserved to be heard respectfully and urged authorities to address their concerns over fair examinations, transparent recruitment, employment opportunities and their prospects for the future.“These are not unreasonable demands. India owes its youth a system they can trust”, he added in the postHe further said the concerns of students needed to be viewed in the context of the sacrifices made by their families.“Behind every protesting student is a family that has sacrificed – often for years for education and the hope of a job.Pitroda criticised the JMM-led Jharkhand government over the handling of recruitment and examination-related grievances, saying delays in recruitment and failures in examinations risk eroding young people’s trust in the system. He called for “reform, accountability and compassion” in addressing their concerns.Calling India’s youth its “greatest assets”, Pitroda said the country’s demographic dividend could turn into frustration if education does not translate into opportunities and examinations fail to inspire confidence.“We must redesign education, assessment and employment systems for this generation — not punish them for demanding change,” he said.On Monday, police and protesters clashed during the march outside the Jharkhand Assembly. Police resorted to at least three rounds of lathicharge, while tear gas shells and water cannons were also used to disperse demonstrators.Injured protester alleged that police began the lathicharge without warning.The police have, however, given a different account of the events. Ranchi deputy commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri said a stone was thrown at a police jawan and alleged that some “anti-social elements” attempted to provoke police and officials during the protest.Addressing a press conference, Bhajantri said the police had exercised restraint throughout the demonstration and used “mild force” only after a situation arose in which a jawan’s life was allegedly at risk.Ranchi City SP Paras Rana said most students were peaceful but alleged that a section of protesters damaged barricades and pelted stones.The protest also affected Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who was admitted to Sadar Hospital in Ranchi after taking part in the march.Mahto had been on hunger strike for nine days at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium before joining the ‘Vidhan Sabha Gherao’ march despite his deteriorating health. He was later admitted to hospital.The police action drew criticism from political leaders across party lines. On Monday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also condemned the police action and called for dialogue with the protesting students.
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“The use of force against students protesting in Jharkhand is wrong. Students have a right to peaceful protest, and only dialogue can yield solutions,” Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X, on Monday.He further urged the Jharkhand government to address the students’ grievances.“The Jharkhand government must continue to hear these students out and resolve their issues immediately,” he added.The JPSC and JSSC examinations have been at the centre of protests by aspirants over alleged irregularities. Separately, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in connection with alleged irregularities in JPSC examinations.