Activist Sonam Wangchuk reached out to student leader Devendra Nath Mahato on Wednesday as he continues his indefinite hunger strike in Ranchi. Mahato is protesting against alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) competitive examinations. Following their conversation, Mahato agreed to consume water and salt but pledged to maintain his hunger strike.

During the discussion, Wangchuk inquired about Mahato’s health. Mahato revealed, “We have been on Satyagraha since July 25th; I sat on the indefinite hunger strike on August 2nd. I was extremely exhausted—it was a critical time… Papers have been leaking here for 26 years.” He indicated that a doctor had warned him about the potential need for hospitalization if he continued to abstain from water.

Wangchuk urged Mahato to reconsider his position, saying, “Please take some water; this is tantamount to suicide. You need some time, but it could be 2-3 weeks as well, and I hope that the government will understand and make the right decision.” Mahato, however, reiterated his intent to continue the strike until their demands are addressed.

Mahato’s Response and Conditions for Support

In statements to the media, Mahato acknowledged the boost in morale provided by Wangchuk’s support. “Sonam Wangchuk sir, by supporting our movement, has increased our morale. For the last four days, I had given up both water and food, and my condition was quite bad,” he mentioned. He added that previous requests from others to consume water had been declined until he agreed to accept Wangchuk’s offer under specific conditions.

Mahato stipulated that Wangchuk’s ongoing support would be contingent upon active engagement in their struggle for justice. “Just as you physically participated in the students’ protest at Jantar Mantar and made the movement of students across India successful while on a hunger strike, we expect the same support from you until this movement is successful,” he stated. Wangchuk reportedly accepted this condition, indicating he would remain engaged and supportive until the protesters’ demands are met.

The hunger strike commenced on the night of August 2nd at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, which has been the epicentre of student protests regarding perceived irregularities in multiple recruitment examinations.

Ongoing Student Protests and Government Response

The agitation began following the announcement of results from the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination on July 5. Students alleged systemic irregularities in the recruitment process, prompting round-the-clock protests and an indefinite sit-in to demand transparency from officials.

In response to the ongoing student protests, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren acknowledged the grievances of the student community. He assured them of the government’s responsiveness, stating, “I have said this before as well, the government has eyes and ears; it is sensitive to the issue… the way the investigation team is working day and night, we are waiting for its answer and a conclusion.” He further committed to addressing the concerns raised by the students soon.

The Chief Minister emphasised that all necessities of the students would be met and expressed hope that justice would be served in due course. With the situation evolving, both the students’ protests and the government’s response remain under close observation as developments unfold.

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