Ramgarh: Student activist Devendra Nath Mahto on Monday launched the second phase of his agitation over alleged recruitment exam irregularities, starting his statewide ‘Bharti Vyavastha Sudhar Yatra’ (reforms in examination system) from Lukaiyatand in Ramgarh district after villagers and JMM supporters opposed its launch from chief minister Hemant Soren’s native village, Nemra.Organised by the JPSC-JSSC Abhyarthi Nyay Manch, the yatra seeks recruitment reforms and will cover all 24 districts. Mahto chose Nemra to draw the CM’s attention to the grievances of unemployed youths.Hundreds of villagers gathered in Nemra on Monday carrying bows, arrows and axes, and blocked roads to the village. They said Hemant was not only the CM but also the village’s traditional head, and alleged that political interests were targeting him. Protesters said no programme perceived to be against Hemant would be allowed.Mahto shifted the launch to Lukaiyatand, about 4 km away, where he garlanded the recently inaugurated statue of JMM founder late Shibu Soren. The site is associated with the killing of Soren’s father, Sobaran Manjhi. Heavy rain did not deter supporters.Mahto said, “The movement was no longer confined to a single examination but sought transparency, accountability and fairness across all govt recruitments. There should be a fixed examination calendar, timely recruitment drives, prevention of paper leaks and corruption-free selection processes.”Ramgarh SDO Krishna Murari Tirkey said the administration had permitted a peaceful padayatra.In Ranchi, JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey called the yatra a political stunt. “In the wake of students’ agitation in Ranchi recently, govt took many steps for exam reforms and the work is under process. Govt has been sensitive and taking active steps. Therefore, such yatras are nothing more than political gimmicks,” he said.BJP accused the govt of trying to silence students, citing police cases against protesters during the recent 26-day protest in Ranchi. Party spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo said, “This govt is adopting various tactics to silence dissent by issuing order to seek permission before holding protests, slapping police cases, indirect ban on engaging with contents on social media and so on. State govt’s conduct in the JPSC issue appears questionable, which is why we are demanding CBI probe.”(With inputs from ASRP Mukesh in Ranchi)
