Police Use Tear Gas, Baton Charge Students During Raj Bhavan March Over Paper Leak in Patna

Patna: On Wednesday, students' demonstration turned violent in Patna over paper leak, irregularities in recruitment examinations and the demand for resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Under the leadership of All India Students Association, a large number of students came out for the Raj Bhavan march. A large number of students had set out for the Raj Bhavan march, but the police blocked their way by barricading JP Golambar. 

After this the protesters started trying to move forward by crossing the barricades, due to which a scuffle started between the police and the students. When the situation worsened, the police first used water cannon and later tried to disperse the crowd by lathicharge.

What was the reason for the students' demonstration?

The protesting students said that their movement is not limited to Bihar but is also in support of the ongoing anti-paper leak movement at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Students allege that irregularities are continuously being reported in competitive examinations across the country, but instead of taking effective action, the government is using police force against the agitators. In protest against this, Raj Bhavan march was organised in Patna.

How did the situation worsen for JP Golambar?

The police stopped the students moving towards Raj Bhavan by placing barricades at JP Golambar. Police officers appealed to the protesters to return peacefully, but the students remained adamant on proceeding. Some protesters attempted to remove the barricades and move ahead, following which the police used water cannon. Seeing the situation going out of control, the police also resorted to lathi charge. A large number of police forces were deployed on the spot and there was a tense atmosphere in the entire area for some time.

What allegations did the students make against the government?

The girls and students participating in the protest raised serious questions on the government regarding the education system. Student Manisha said that the government is avoiding responding to issues like NEET paper leak, alleged irregularities in various recruitment exams in Bihar and notification of TRE-4. He said that the voice of the students is being continuously suppressed and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should take moral responsibility and resign.

Why is Patna's protest connecting with Delhi's movement?

Patna University student Saba Afrin said that for several days, students have been protesting at Jantar Mantar in Delhi against paper leak, corruption in the education system and privatisation of education. They allege that police action was taken against the students who were protesting peacefully, against which support demonstrations are being organised in many states including Patna. The protesters demand that comprehensive reforms should be made in the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the examination system should be made completely transparent.

What do the police say?

According to police officials, efforts were first made to stop and pacify the protesters peacefully. When some people started breaking the barricades and moving forward and the security arrangements started getting affected, water cannon and other necessary measures were adopted to control the crowd. Police say that video recording of the entire incident has been done and the people who violated law and order are being identified.

Will the movement intensify now?

After the clash in Patna, student organisations have indicated that if a decision is not taken soon on their demands, the movement will be made more widespread. At the same time, the ongoing agitation in Delhi and support demonstrations by students in various states have made this issue a topic of national debate.

Now all eyes are on what stance the central and state governments take on the demands of the students and what direction the situation will take going forward.