Police in eastern India used tear gas, batons and water cannon on Monday to disperse thousands of young protesters marching on the Jharkhand state legislature over alleged irregularities in civil service examinations.
Students and unemployed young people in Jharkhand, one of India's poorer states, launched protests late last month over alleged wrongdoing, including leaks of recruitment test papers.
The protests follow weeks of youth-led demonstrations in New Delhi, also linked to exam paper leaks, which led to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan last month.
Police and paramilitary forces used tear gas, pellet guns and batons in New Delhi to scatter some 50,000 young protesters, some of whom clashed with police. The demonstrations were seen as reflecting anger over corruption in education, a lack of opportunities and unemployment.
Protesters in Jharkhand are demanding an overhaul of the state's examination system, the cancellation of some tests and an investigation by federal police.
The protests began on 25 July and intensified after thousands gathered at a stadium in the state capital, Ranchi.
On Monday, protesters marched on the state legislature, climbing over police barricades, holding placards, waving the national flag and shouting slogans as security was tightened.
Some pushed against barricades and scuffled with police, who responded by firing tear gas rounds, using water cannon and striking protesters with batons, TV footage showed.
Police said they had to use mild force after some protesters became violent.
"We showed minimal aggression for a really short time because they are just students," Ranchi city police chief Paras Rana told ANI news agency. "I appeal to everyone to be peaceful and not be violent. Your demands are reaching the government, do not show aggression."
The state government, which is ruled by a regional party opposed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has held talks with the protesters. It said most of their demands had been accepted and it remained open to further talks.
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