India police fire tear gas at protesters seeking exam reforms

police in India have fired tear gas shells on protesters demanding reforms to recruitment exams in the eastern state of Jharkhand.Thousands of students, job seekers and volunteers have been trying to reach the state's assembly in the capital city of Ranchi to register their protest. The BBC has seen some people who have sustained injuries, though the official number of injured is unclear.The protesters have been demonstrating for over two weeks now, demanding an overhaul of Jharkhand's government exam system.On Monday, many attempted to breach police barricades, causing police to use water cannons, batons and tear gas to try and disperse crowds, officials say.Ranchi City Superintendent of police Paras Rana told ANI news agency that most protesters had been peaceful, but accused a smaller group of breaking through barricades and throwing stones at officers. He said three policemen had been injured."About 90% of the students are peaceful, but there are some who are not listening even to their own representatives," he said.Rana said police had shown restraint and used "minimal force for a very short time" because the protesters were students. He appealed to them to remain peaceful, saying their demands were reaching the government.