Jharkhand Govt holds talks with protesters

Speaking to reporters on the Assembly premises after the House was adjourned for the day over the protest, Soren said the government wanted to hear directly from students before moving ahead with reforms.

“We are ready to hold talks. The state government is eager to know the problems of every student. All the students from across the state can give their thoughts on the issues. We will move forward with a big and strong reform according to the students’ demands,” Soren said.

He stressed that the government was serious about resolving the concerns raised by students and job aspirants, adding that those from across Jharkhand were welcome to present their grievances before the government.

The CM’s assurance came as protests over alleged anomalies in recruitment examinations continued across the state. Demonstrators have been demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Civil Services Examination and an independent inquiry into the alleged irregularities, either by the CBI or by a panel of retired high court judges from outside Jharkhand. They have also sought comprehensive reforms in the functioning of the JPSC and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).

Soren said the government had already provided a “medium to hold talks with students”, signalling its willingness to open negotiations.

According to officials, a five-member government panel, including ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Sudivya Kumar, is likely to interact with the protesters.

Meanwhile, the students have also taken a step towards dialogue. They submitted a fresh 10-member panel to the state government for talks on Friday.

The new list was sent after the government objected to the previous 11-member panel, which was formed on Thursday and included an advocate and two technical experts, said the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, under which the agitation is being carried out.

Members of the new delegation are student leaders -- Ravindra Paswan, Piyush Kumar, Rajesh Prasad, Neetu Kujur, Ankit Raj, Kartik Soren, Shalu Kumari, Ravindra Kumar Ravi, Anand Kumar and Ankit Kumar.

Despite both sides indicating a willingness to engage, the impasse remained unresolved on Friday.

The protesting students and job aspirants alleged that they had not received any formal invitation from the state government to discuss their demands, even as the agitation intensified with six students continuing their indefinite hunger strike.

Whether the proposed talks lead to a breakthrough is likely to determine the next course of the two-week long agitation.

Protester on fast taken to hospital

A student leader, who was among the six protesters on a hunger strike over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand, was admitted to a hospital here on Friday after his health condition deteriorated, an official said.

Man throws ink at AISA chief, held

A man allegedly threw ink at All-India Students’ Association president Neha Bora during a protest march to the Jharkhand Assembly in Ranchi on Friday.

The police detained the accused after protesters overpowered him and handed him over. Videos from the protest showed Bora with black ink splashed across her face, neck and clothes. Addressing reporters after the incident, she alleged that the accused raised “Jai Shri Ram” slogans before the attack.

“For them ink is a tool to try to shame others. I wear this ink with pride. We will write the future with ink!” she added.