Guwahati: Cabinet minister Pijush Hazarika on Tuesday condemned alleged police action against students protesting recruitment irregularities in Ranchi.Addressing the media at BJP state headquarters here, Hazarika accused the Congress-Jharkhand Mukti Morcha govt of suppressing students protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand Public Service Commission examinations.He said the students protested peacefully and demanded justice over their future, rights and employment opportunities.“Despite the protesters allegedly refraining from any form of violence and maintaining decorum without resorting to abusive or objectionable language, the Congress-JMM govt subjected them to ruthless repression. The protesters were being treated as though they were terrorists. Tear gas was fired at the demonstrators; they were chased and brutally lathi-charged even under the cover of darkness, and water cannons were used against them mercilessly,” he alleged.Hazarika accused Congress of exploiting situations for political gain and creating instability and disorder. “BJP stands firm as a rock with the youth and student community of Jharkhand. Congress-JMM govt must immediately address and fulfil the legitimate demands raised by the protesting students,” he said.Seeking answers from Rahul Gandhi, Hazarika said, “Information has also emerged suggesting that the brutal assault upon students and young people peacefully protesting in Ranchi against recruitment irregularities and alleged question-paper leaks was carried out under the directions of Rahul Gandhi.”He questioned why Gandhi did not visit Jharkhand to meet the students.Condemning the alleged lathi-charge and use of tear gas, Hazarika demanded that Gandhi and Congress apologise to the country’s youth for what he called hypocritical and double-standard politics. He said Gandhi must answer the people on the issue.
