Jharkhand CM Soren vows justice for exam protesters; says vested interests trying to disrupt democracy

Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Sunday pledged to deliver justice with transparency to youths protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment exams while asserting that dialogue, not batons, can solve all problems at home.

Alleging that vested interests were working at full force to disrupt democracy in the state, he said the students' stir should not be politicised and warned those harbouring political ambitions against misguiding youths.

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Soren said the youths' concern was also his concern, and those involved in exam irregularities will face strict action.

"Unable to accept the state's self-reliance, vested interests are working at full force in Jharkhand to disrupt democracy here. Samvad and not 'lathi-danda-bandook' (dialogue, not batons), can solve all problems," he said.

"Weapons are meant for enemies at the border. I promise the exam protesters that justice will be delivered with full transparency," the chief minister said, addressing Jharkhand Adivasi Mahotsav here.

Referring to the protest against the NEET exam paper leak in Delhi's Jantar Mantar, he said everyone saw how youths were tortured, had to face pellet guns, baton charges, and were declared traitors.

Apparently referring to the BJP, Soren accused rival political parties of trying to mislead Jharkhand's youth by spreading lies and misinformation, and added that intellectuals were also involved in this.

"The stir should not be politicised; I warn those harbouring political ambitions against misguiding youths," he cautioned.

Soren claimed that political parties across the country are attempting to mislead the youth through falsehoods and half-truths, and even prominent scholars and educated individuals are engaged in this.

"We are witnessing the profoundly negative impact this has on society and the nation. Therefore, I would urge my young companions to fearlessly bring their concerns directly to the government," he said.

"Now, we will not only strive through movements, but also make efforts to bring the thoughts of the youth, right from their homes. We will listen to the youth's voices through various channels, understand them, and prepare arrangements accordingly," Soren said.

The chief minister asserted that his government's commitment to providing justice to the protesting youths and said, "Those guilty of irregularities will face strict action. We found theft, we will deliver justice."

He urged youths not to seek political patronage for their stir. "Today, our youth are raising their voice for their rights. They have gathered courage, carried out a movement, and demanded their due," Soren said.

Noting that the Constitution grants equal rights to every person in the country, whether rich or poor, he said that it is a misfortune that inequalities persist in society even after so many years of independence.

"The poor are becoming poorer, and the rich are getting richer. The more these inequalities grow, the greater the tension in society and the country will prevail," he said.

The agitation by the students protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment exams entered its 16th day on Sunday, with six demonstrators on indefinite hunger strike.

A sixth round of talks between the government and the agitators was held at the state guest house in Ranchi.