Jharkhand Students Protest: Hemant Soren Assures Justice and Transparency
In the midst of an ongoing student protest in Jharkhand, Chief Minister Hemant Soren has assured the agitating students of justice and transparency, urging them to come forward and express their concerns without fear. The protest, which entered its 16th day on Sunday, has seen students demanding reforms in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), as well as an independent probe into alleged irregularities in recruitment exams.
A Call for Sensitivity and Transparency
In a message to the protesting students, Soren emphasized the importance of sensitivity in dealing with youth and students. He invoked the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of India’s Constitution, which guarantees equal rights to all citizens. “Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar gave us the Constitution, which guarantees equal rights to everyone living in this country, whether rich or poor,” Soren said. He added that his government is committed to working with sensitivity and transparency to address the concerns of students.
Condemning Police Action
Soren also condemned the use of force and police action against young protesters and students, saying that batons and pellet guns are used to suppress their voice. “You have seen how young people are threatened, intimidated, and defamed. When that does not work, lathis and batons are used, pellet guns are fired, and when even that does not work, sedition charges are imposed,” he said. He emphasized that such measures are only required on the border, not against citizens.
Assuring Justice and Transparency
Soren assured the students that his government will deliver justice with full transparency. “Samvad and not ‘lathi-danda-bandook’ (dialogue, not batons and guns), 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,” he said. He also warned rival political parties against trying to mislead Jharkhand’s youth by spreading lies and misinformation.
A Call to Action
Soren urged the students to come forward and express their concerns openly and fearlessly, without seeking political patronage. “You do not need anyone’s political patronage. Ensuring that you receive what you are entitled to is the responsibility of the government, and I want to make sure that this is fully fulfilled. Come to the government with your concerns openly and fearlessly. We will listen to you,” he said.
The Protest Continues
The Jharkhand students protest, which began on July 20, has seen students demanding reforms in the JPSC and JSSC, as well as an independent probe into alleged irregularities in recruitment exams. A sixth round of talks between the government and the agitators is being held at the state guest house in Ranchi. Six demonstrators are on indefinite hunger strike, and the protest continues to gain momentum.
In conclusion, Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s message to the protesting students is clear: his government is committed to delivering justice and transparency, and he urges the students to come forward and express their concerns without fear. The protest, which has been ongoing for 16 days, continues to be a major issue in Jharkhand, and it remains to be seen how the government will address the demands of the agitating students.