Jharkhand student protest: 'Two factions fire shots at each other' in Ranchi

The student agitation in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations took a serious turn in Ranchi, with two protesting factions allegedly firing shots at each other at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, according to a report by India Today.

The reported confrontation came on the 16th day of the agitation and just hours before the state government was due to hold another round of talks with student representatives.

Two student factions clash

The two groups involved are the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, which has been leading the agitation, and protesters linked to the camp of Jairam Mahato, also known as Tiger Mahato.

According to the report, differences between the factions had been growing, with the groups unwilling to sit together for discussions. Sources cited in the report said the disagreement escalated at the protest venue, where shots were allegedly fired by members of both groups.

The confrontation adds to existing divisions among student organisations over how negotiations with the Jharkhand government should be conducted.

Government calls sixth round of talks

The alleged firing took place ahead of the government's sixth attempt to resolve the deadlock. The state government held four rounds of discussions with different student organisations on Saturday, including NSUI, Jharkhand Chhatra Manch and Adivasi Chhatra Sangh. A separate detailed meeting was held with the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch on Friday.

Rural Development Minister Dipika Pandey Singh said the government panel had briefed Chief Minister Hemant Soren about the concerns raised by student groups.

“It was decided in the meeting with the chief minister that a final round of talks with the protesting students will take place at 12 pm on Sunday," she said, according to PTI.

The panel includes Dipika Pandey Singh, Sudivya Kumar, Chamra Linda and Sanjay Prasad Yadav.

Students seek recruitment exam reforms

The agitation centres on alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations and demands for changes in the recruitment process.

Student organisations have put forward different demands. These include cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination, a CID probe into suspected irregularities and the creation of a Jharkhand Testing Agency.

The Adivasi Chhatra Sangh has also sought the inclusion of tribal and regional languages as qualifying papers.

Protesters threaten Assembly march

The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch has accused the government of trying to divide the movement through separate meetings.

“This is political manoeuvring by the government. It is trying to create a divide among students and divert attention. But they should know that all students are united," Paswan said.

Student groups have announced an Assembly march on August 10 if their demands are not addressed. ABVP has planned a separate march for August 11.

PTI reported that 19 people have been arrested in connection with alleged JPSC examination irregularities, while former panel chairperson L Khiangte has been questioned four times since July 28.