'Dialogue, not batons': Hemant Soren's message to Jharkhand protesters

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Sunday assured youths protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations that his government would ensure justice with full transparency. He also said dialogue, rather than force, was the way to resolve the ongoing dispute.

Speaking at the Jharkhand Adivasi Mahotsav, Soren alleged that vested interests were attempting to disrupt democracy in the state and cautioned against politicising the students' agitation.

"Unable to accept the state's self-reliance, vested interests are working at full force in Jharkhand to disrupt democracy here. Samvad and not 'lathi-danda-bandook' (dialogue, not batons), can solve all problems.

"Weapons are meant for enemies at the border. I promise the exam protesters that justice will be delivered with full transparency," the Chief Minister said.

‘Those guilty will face strict action’

Soren said the concerns of the protesting youths were also his concerns and promised action against those found responsible for irregularities in recruitment examinations.

"Those guilty of irregularities will face strict action. We caught theft, will deliver justice," he said.

The Chief Minister also urged the protesters to keep political parties away from their agitation and warned those with political ambitions against attempting to influence the students.

"The stir should not be politicised; I warn those harbouring political ambitions against misguiding youths," he cautioned.

"I urge youths not to seek political patronage (for their stir); justice is your right," he added.

Soren cites Jantar Mantar protests

Soren also referred to the student agitation over the NEET paper leak in Delhi, alleging that protesters there had faced police action.

"All saw how youths were tortured, had to face pellet guns, baton charges, and were declared traitors," he said.

He also accused rival political parties, apparently referring to the BJP, of spreading misinformation among Jharkhand's youth and said intellectuals were involved in the effort.

Sixth round of talks underway

The recruitment exam agitation entered its 16th day on Sunday, with six protesters continuing an indefinite hunger strike.

A sixth round of talks between the state government and student representatives was underway at the state guest house in Ranchi.

The protesters are demanding reforms in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). They are also seeking an independent probe into the alleged irregularities, either by the CBI or a panel of retired high court judges from outside Jharkhand.