Patna, Aug 4 (IANS) Student protests intensified in Bihar’s capital Patna on Tuesday as students affiliated with various Left-wing organisations marched towards Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary’s residence, pressing a five-point charter of demands. The students are demanding the immediate filling of vacant teaching positions in universities.
The procession, organised by the Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Morcha, was stopped by police near Dakbungalow Crossing, where tensions escalated into scuffles, and police used water cannons. Several protesters were reportedly detained.
The procession began at Ramghulam Chowk, with students marching towards the Chief Minister’s residence to press their demands.
Police had made extensive security arrangements in anticipation of the protest and initially attempted to stop the march near Gate No. 12 of Gandhi Maidan.
However, the protesters continued towards Dakbungalow Crossing, where police barricades were placed to prevent them from proceeding further.
A tense standoff developed as students attempted to push through the barricades.
The situation became more heated near the Income Tax Roundabout, where protesters tried to breach the police barricades.
Police subsequently used water cannons to disperse the crowd.
Some protesters were taken into custody. Heavy police deployment was witnessed in the area, with senior police officials, including the Senior SSP, SPs, DSPs and SHOs present at the spot.
During the protest, some students were seen climbing barricades and raising slogans, while one group of protesters was also seen climbing onto a water-cannon vehicle.
The protesters are demanding the immediate filling of vacant teaching positions in universities.
They have also opposed the proposed repeal of the University Act of 1976, arguing that the interests of students and teachers should be protected while making changes to the state’s higher-education system.
Another major issue raised by the students concerns alleged police action during recent student protests in different parts of Bihar over the NEET paper leaks.
Protesters alleged that excessive force was used against students in places including Siwan and Jehanabad.
A female student participating in the demonstration alleged that police had used force against protesters and demanded a high-level enquiry into the incidents.
The protesters called for strict action against police personnel found guilty of misconduct, irrespective of their rank.
The students also demanded compensation for those allegedly affected by police action during the anti-NEET leak protests.
They claimed that students associated with the movement were being subjected to harassment at various locations.
The protesters further demanded that the roles of senior police officials, including those at the SP and DSP levels, be examined wherever allegations of misconduct have been made.
They insisted that responsibility should be fixed after a fair investigation.
–IANS
ajk/rad
