Jharkhand Aspirants' Tiranga Yatra Marks Independence Day; Hunger Striker Alleges Blockade

Ranchi, August 15: On the 79th anniversary of India's independence, students protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations took out a 'Tiranga Yatra' in Ranchi on Saturday. The march, held on the 22nd day of the agitation, began at the protest site near Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium and concluded at Albert Ekka Chowk.

Thousands of job aspirants and supporters participated in the procession, carrying the national flag and raising patriotic slogans such as 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram'. The event was organized under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, which has been demanding sweeping changes in the state's examination process.

Devendra Nath Mahto, a leader of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha who has been on a hunger strike for 14 days, alleged that police did not allow him to leave Sadar Hospital to join the march. The claim could not be independently verified, and no official response was available at the time of reporting.

The protesters have been seeking greater transparency in recruitment examinations, cancellation of several tests, and an independent probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation or a panel of retired judges from outside Jharkhand into the alleged irregularities. They have also demanded reforms to ensure fair and merit-based selection.

In a statement issued on the occasion, the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch said, "Independence doesn't just mean freedom from the British, but also freedom from inequality of opportunities, corruption and injustice. The youth of the country should study, work hard and raise their voice for their rights - this is the true strength of democracy. On this Independence Day, saluting all those youth who are peacefully struggling for their future. The voice of the youth is the future of India. Jai Hind!"

The march concluded peacefully, and the agitation is expected to continue in the coming days. The demonstrators have said they will persist until their demands are met.