Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday condemned the use of force against students protesting in Jharkhand, saying such action was wrong and urging the state government to listen to their concerns and resolve their issues at the earliest.
The Congress is part of the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand.
Gandhi's remarks came after police in Ranchi used water cannons, lobbed tear gas shells, and lathi-charged job aspirants as they breached barricades and attempted to reach the state assembly, protesting the alleged recruitment exam irregularities.
"My message to protesting students in Jharkhand is clear. We condemn any violence against peacefully protesting students," he said during a press conference.
"It does not matter where it is happening. We condemn it, we are against it, we do not recommend it, and we do not support it. We are very clear," the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said.
"As long as protests are peaceful, we are against any attack on it with violence," he added.
Earlier, in a post on X, he said the use of force against students protesting in Jharkhand is wrong.
"Students have a right to peaceful protest, and only dialogue can yield solutions. The Jharkhand government must continue to hear these students out and resolve their issues immediately," he said.
Several protesters claimed they were injured in the police action, which took place when they reached the final barricade near Jagannathpur Temple on the road to the Jharkhand Assembly, which is in session.
(With inputs from PTI)