Ranchi
The agitation by aspirants against alleged irregularities in the recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) continued for the eighth consecutive day on Saturday, with the protesters shifting their venue to keep the movement strictly non-political.
The decision to change the protest site came after a dispute broke out on Friday when some political leaders reached the earlier venue and attempted to share the protest platform. Following the incident, the aspirants held a collective meeting and decided to shift the dharna to a spot near the second gate of the historic Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium.
The protesters said the agitation belongs to the aspirants and will be led by them. They maintained that while political parties and leaders are free to extend moral support to their demands, political intervention in the management and leadership of the movement would not be accepted.
At the new venue, the administration has not yet permitted the installation of a tent. As a result, the aspirants are continuing their protest under the open sky, sitting on mats despite the scorching heat and other hardships.
The protesters also said they do not require financial assistance or organisational support from any political party. They are making arrangements for food and other necessities on their own. Several students are contributing money among themselves, while some supporters are providing food and essential items through online platforms. Since permission to cook at the protest site has not been granted, alternative arrangements have been made. Food delivery services, including Zomato, also reached the protest venue on Saturday.
Meanwhile, only a few people remain at the old protest site. The protesting aspirants claimed that a majority of the students have now regrouped at the new venue and are continuing their agitation against the alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.
The aspirants said they would continue their protest until the government takes concrete decisions on their demands.
