Devendra Nath Mahato, a notable student leader and member of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JKLM), has rejected claims asserting that he has concluded his hunger strike. He firmly stated that his fast continues, having recently begun consuming water upon the advice of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Mahato, currently protesting at a separate site in Ranchi, emphasised that the news regarding the cessation of his fast is both misleading and inaccurate.

In a statement, Mahato expressed discontent over the circulation of incorrect information and clarified that today marks the fifth day of his hunger strike. He insisted that he remains committed to the cause he is advocating for and will not consume solid food until the demands of Jharkhand’s students are addressed satisfactorily.

Furthermore, he mentioned that representatives from the student body and governmental officials are set to engage in discussions about the ongoing protests. Mahato optimistically noted that these dialogues could provide a platform for resolving the issues at hand.

Concerns Over Health and Misinformation

Another participant in the hunger strike, Prem Nayak, reported experiencing significant health challenges due to the lengthy protest. He corroborated Mahato’s stance by affirming that the claims regarding Mahato ending his hunger strike are erroneous. Nayak described how he has been struggling with weakness and instability, noting his frequent need to lie down as a result of his deteriorating condition.

Nayak further clarified that Mahato began hydration only after recommendations from Wangchuk, aimed at preventing potential health risks associated with depletion. He expressed frustration over the misinformation circulating about Mahato’s commitment to his hunger strike, labelling it as unfounded and a misrepresentation of the facts.

In light of ongoing disputes, Nayak asserted the commitment of all protesting students to maintain their agitation until their grievances are acknowledged and resolved by the government. Nayak specifically pointed to their demand for the resignation of the Chief Minister, asserting that he is unfit for leadership.

Government Engagement with Protesting Students

On the same day, the Jharkhand government initiated dialogue with the protesting students regarding alleged irregularities linked to the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (JSSC CGL) examinations. Senior government officials reportedly extended an invitation for a five-member delegation of the students to meet with Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kumar Rajat and Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Dhananjay Kumar visited the protest site to discuss the matter with the students. Rajat conveyed the government’s willingness to engage with the protestors, explaining that they had requested time to confer among themselves before responding to the invitation.

Despite the government’s outreach, the protesting students maintained that any meeting with the Chief Minister should include representatives from all groups involved in the agitation. They requested a span of two hours to collectively deliberate on the proposal before making any formal decision concerning the dialogue with government officials.

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