The agitation by job aspirants over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations entered its 19th day on Wednesday, with protesters vowing to intensify their stir until their demands are met.

The students, protesting under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, have refused to call off their agitation despite assurances from the Hemant Soren government on reforms in the recruitment system.

They are demanding greater transparency in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), cancellation of several tests and an independent probe by the CBI or a panel of retired high court judges from outside the state.

Meanwhile, students under the banner of Jharkhand Chhatra Nyay have announced a one-day hunger strike and a ‘kali patti’ (black armband) protest to condemn the police lathi-charge on students during their march towards the state assembly on Monday.

Besides the baton charge, police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protesters. While demonstrators alleged that several students sustained injuries, Ranchi Police said 14 of its personnel were injured in the clashes.

The confrontation triggered a political showdown, with the BJP observing a statewide bandh on Tuesday to protest the police action. Roads were blocked, educational institutions were shut, and markets were closed in several districts as the bandh hit normal life.

The BJP demanded an independent probe into the alleged examination irregularities and accused the JMM-led government of suppressing the voice of protesting youths. The party also questioned the intentions of government officials visiting the dharna site around midnight.