Ranchi: Tensions remained high in Jharkhand on Monday as students protesting alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations moved ahead with a planned march towards the Vidhan Sabha, extending a demonstration that has now continued for more than two weeks.
Authorities in Ranchi stepped up security around the Assembly complex and imposed restrictions on public movement in the area to prevent any disturbance during the protest. Police have installed barricades at several key locations and deployed additional personnel across the state capital.
Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) Manoj Kaushik said the administration was taking precautions because of the possibility of unrest during the march. He appealed to participating students to maintain the peaceful and disciplined approach they have followed during their prolonged agitation.
Kaushik also urged protesters to ensure that disruptive elements do not become part of the demonstration.
Ranchi Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Ranjan said maintaining public order was a shared responsibility. He stressed that the administration did not want students’ academic and professional prospects to be affected by any incident during the protest.
A prohibitory order covering an area within 750 metres of the Vidhan Sabha has been in force since August 6 and will remain effective until August 12. The restrictions apply from 6 am to 10 pm during the specified period.
Similar restrictions were introduced in Jamshedpur from Sunday midnight as a precautionary measure linked to the proposed protest in Ranchi, according to an official statement.
The district administration has appealed to students to avoid aggressive demonstrations and warned against violence or other unlawful activities during the march.
Meanwhile, protesters have alleged that students travelling to Ranchi from different parts of Jharkhand were being stopped by police. The allegations have added to tensions surrounding the agitation.
The student movement entered its 17th day on Monday. Six protesters are continuing a hunger strike as part of the campaign against what they allege are irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted in the state.
The political dispute has also intensified alongside the student agitation. BJP leader and state general secretary Amar Bauri alleged on Sunday that state party president Aditya Sahu had been placed under house arrest. Bauri criticised the government’s security measures, saying that deploying police personnel outside Sahu’s residence would not resolve the situation.
With students pressing ahead with their Assembly march and authorities maintaining heightened security, the focus remains on whether the demonstration can proceed without disruption.
