Ranchi, August 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The agitation by students over alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations intensified on Monday as hundreds of protesters marched towards the state Legislative Assembly and breached eight police barricades.
The protesters, who had gathered from across Jharkhand, pushed past successive security barriers while attempting to reach the Assembly complex. Police eventually used water cannons to stop them, but several protesters refused to retreat and continued raising slogans.
In an unusual scene at the protest site, some students stood in front of the water jets and danced while continuing to chant slogans. The demonstration remained largely focused on pressing their demands as police and administrative officials repeatedly appealed to the protesters to remain peaceful and not move further towards the Assembly.
Security has been strengthened across the area, with drone cameras deployed to monitor the movement of the protesters. After crossing the eighth barricade, the crowd became somewhat dispersed, with some groups continuing to press ahead while police attempted to contain them.
The students had begun assembling in Ranchi earlier in the day after arriving from 24 districts by buses, trains and private vehicles. Thousands of protesters, carrying the Tricolour, banners and posters, joined the march towards the Assembly.
The students are demanding cancellation of examinations they allege were marred by irregularities, including the 14th JPSC preliminary examination. They are also seeking reforms in the recruitment process and a CBI inquiry into the entire matter.
The latest escalation followed the third round of talks between representatives of the state government and the protesting students on Sunday, which ended without a resolution. The students subsequently announced their plan to lay siege to the Assembly.
Authorities have deployed extensive security around the Assembly and the Chief Minister’s residence to prevent the protesters from entering restricted areas.
Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Champai Soren criticised the government’s security arrangements, questioning the installation of extensive barricades and other restrictions against young protesters demanding their rights. He said such measures were against democratic norms.
The students’ agitation has continued for 17 days and has now emerged as a major challenge for the state administration.
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