Jharkhand student leader on hunger strike takes water after Sonam Wangchuk's appeal, to continue stir

Ranchi, Aug 5 (AHN) Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), consumed water on the fourth day of his fast on Wednesday.

However, he made it clear that the hunger strike and the satyagraha would continue.

Mahto said he decided to take water after he received a video call from climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who urged him to do so.

According to Mahto, Wangchuk expressed support for the students' movement, offered guidance and encouragement, and lauded their peaceful democratic protest. The student leader also invited Wangchuk to visit Ranchi and boost the morale of the agitating students.

The agitation, underway at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, has entered Day 12. Students have been protesting against alleged irregularities in various state recruitment examinations.

Their key demands include cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination, a CBI probe into alleged malpractice in recruitment tests such as the JPSC and JSSC-CGL examinations, public release of OMR sheets and answer scripts of the main examinations, and comprehensive reforms in the state's recruitment agencies.

Amid the growing protests, Chief Minister Hemant Soren broke his silence on Tuesday, stating that his government was sensitive to students' concerns and committed to ensuring justice.

He said the government was examining the matter seriously and that an appropriate decision would be taken within the constitutional framework after reports from the investigating agencies were received.

The Chief Minister said that his government was determined to resolve the issue once and for all.

Meanwhile, a faction of the protesters has warned that if the government fails to take concrete steps on their demands, they will gherao the Jharkhand Assembly on August 6.

The state's Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is probing the alleged examination irregularities, has conducted raids at several locations across Jharkhand. During the searches, officials seized laptops, mobile phones, bank documents, carbon copies of OMR sheets and other materials deemed important to the investigation. The examination of the seized evidence is currently underway.

The opposition has also intensified its attack on the government over the issue. Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi and several BJP leaders have demanded a CBI investigation, strict action against officials found guilty of wrongdoing, and immediate acceptance of the students' demands.