Dharwad, 1 Dec

Many job aspirants staged a protest here on Monday, demanding that the Karnataka government launch a recruitment drive to fill vacancies in all departments.

Police said 35 people, including women, were detained.

The demonstration was organised by Janasamanyara Vedike and Udyogakankshigala Horata Samiti.

The hopefuls had planned to march from Srinagar Circle to the District Commissioner’s office, but police intervened and detained them.

Students from different parts of the city assembled in the Srinagar area and raised anti-government slogans.

They urged the government to announce a clear policy during the winter session of the state legislature to fill all vacant posts and introduce more student-friendly measures.

Police had earlier denied permission for the protest, citing traffic and law-and-order issues. Despite this, the organisers went ahead with the demonstration.

Speaking to reporters later, Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar said the job hopefuls had sought permission, but it was rejected due to security concerns.

"They claimed around 30,000 students would join the protest. Some PG and library science students had spoken about holding an indefinite dharna and blocking junctions. We asked for clarification on who would lead the protest and how many would participate," he said.

He said that around 80,000 students live in the area and that it is surrounded by schools, colleges and hospitals.

"If miscreants misuse such a situation in a student-populated area, law and order could deteriorate. So permission was not granted," he said.

The commissioner said the organisers failed to provide complete information to the authorities.