The proposed five-day stir by policemen across Jharkhand entered its second day on Monday, forcing the Election Commission to defer the February 26 Poreyahat assembly bypoll to March 24.

Nearly 30,000 constables under the banner of Jharkhand Policemen's Association took mass leave in support of their list of demands including promotion, free education for their children and free housing.

The agitation, which began at midnight on Saturday despite the government's invoking the Essential Services Maintenance Act, was most felt at traffic points, where constables did not turn up for duty and their place was taken by personnel of the Rapid Action Force.

The scene was the same at the governor's house and the chief minister's residence.

Home Secretary J B Tubid said no talks were held with the JPMA till now.

Meanwhile, JPMA leader Khagendra Mallick said the outfit's leaders went to the secretariat on Monday morning, but were not called for talks.

Director General of Police R R Prasad said according to the Accelerated Career Promotion Programme, a constable could be given promotion after 12 years, but with certain conditions. They have to qualify in a course, but the police union is demanding promotion without having to sit for the test.

The DGP said there was peace in all Naxalite-affected districts and that senior police officials had been manning the police stations.