Daijiworld Media Network - Ranchi
Ranchi, Aug 15: Amid the ongoing student agitation in Jharkhand, protesting students took out a 'Tiranga Yatra' in Ranchi on Saturday to mark Independence Day, with two hunger-striking students joining the march in wheelchairs.
The march began at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, where a large number of students gathered carrying the national flag and raising slogans in support of their demands.
Meanwhile, a scuffle reportedly broke out between police and students over the participation of student leader Devendra Nath Mahto and student Umme Habiba, both of whom were on hunger strike and admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital.
Police and administrative officials prevented the two from leaving the hospital, citing concerns over their health.
Mahto alleged that police personnel stopped and manhandled him when he attempted to step out of his hospital room to join the march. During a Facebook Live session, he further alleged that police also assaulted associates who were present with him.
Mahto said that despite being on hunger strike for the past 14 days, he remained committed to raising the concerns of students and fighting for their rights. He asserted that their voices could not be suppressed in such a manner.
Mahto has been actively involved in the student movement protesting alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations. He was admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital after his health deteriorated during the hunger strike and is currently undergoing treatment.
Habiba, who has also been on hunger strike for 12 days, emerged from her hospital room in a wheelchair, holding a copy of the Constitution, intending to participate in the Tiranga Yatra. However, security personnel did not allow her to leave the hospital premises.
The students at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium proceeded with the march as scheduled. Carrying the national flag, they raised slogans in support of their demands as the protest continued.
The students have been agitating for the past 22 days, demanding an investigation into alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations and action against those responsible.
The deadlock between the protesters and the government remains unresolved despite three rounds of talks.