Patna: As police water cannons roared into action to stop them from marching towards the chief minister’s residence on Tuesday, several protesters broke into dance under the powerful jets of water, while others sat on the road and raised slogans. The scenes were reminiscent of the July 22 student protest, when students had similarly refused to retreat despite being hit by water cannons.The protest, organised by the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), was held over alleged examination paper leaks, unemployment, irregularities in recruitment examinations and demands for reforms in the education system.One group marched from Gandhi Maidan towards JP Golambar, while another NSUI group began its march from the Income Tax roundabout towards the CM’s residence. Police had put up barricades at JP Golambar, Dak Bungalow crossing and the Income Tax roundabout.The Gandhi Maidan group was stopped at JP Golambar and later prevented from proceeding at Dak Bungalow crossing. At the Income Tax roundabout, NSUI protesters breached barricades and tried to move towards the restricted zone, leading to a brief scuffle with police.Police then used water cannons to prevent the protesters from advancing. Several students danced under the water jets, while others staged a sit-in before police personnel removed them from the area.“We are not terrorists by appearance, demeanour or profession, yet our voices are not being heard. We are even willing to face bullets for our rights and a better future,” said protester Murari. Another protester, Atul Kumar, said the govt was trying to suppress their voice.NSUI national president Vinod Jakhar lay on the road and raised slogans against the govt. Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram climbed a barricade alongside students. Purnia MP Pappu Yadav also joined the protest and criticised the govt over the alleged firing on students in Siwan.Police detained 12 people, including Jakhar and Ram, after the scuffle. ASP (Law and Order-I) Krishna Murari Prasad said no force was used against the protesters and that the detentions followed the scuffle. On the direction of a magistrate, a delegation of eight students was allowed to proceed to the Chief Minister’s Office to submit a memorandum, after which the protesters dispersed peacefully, he said.The protest was supported by Youth Congress, AISF, Chhatra RJD, SFI, DYFI, Great Bhim Army, Social Justice Army, AIDSO, Socialists and AIDYO. Traffic in central Patna remained disrupted for several hours before normal movement resumed.
