Ranchi : Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike over alleged irregularities in the JPSC, JSSC CGL and other competitive examinations, agreed to drink water on Wednesday. Wangchuk expressed solidarity with the protesting students and voiced concern over Mahto’s deteriorating health. While urging him to continue the agitation, the activist requested that he at least consume water to safeguard his health.
Mahto said he had been unwell and decided to drink water at Wangchuk’s request. I was not keeping well, but on Sonam Wangchuk ji’s request, I took water. I have pledged that the kind of support you extended to us at Jantar Mantar, we need the same support and presence here as well, he said. Mahto, however, clarified that his decision to consume water did not mean he was ending the hunger strike. He reiterated that he would continue his indefinite fast and would not eat until the government accepted the protesters’ demands.
Mahto said he would end his hunger strike only after meeting the activist in person. “I will break my hunger strike only when you come to meet us. Sir, I request you to come here. We have great respect for you,” he told Wangchuk during the interaction. Mahto is among six protesters who have launched an indefinite hunger strike in Ranchi as the agitation over alleged recruitment examination irregularities gathered momentum ahead of the Monsoon Session of the Jharkhand Assembly, which begins on Thursday.
Our five friends, including two women, began an indefinite hunger strike on Tuesday night to press for our demands, said Jivan Kumar, spokesperson of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch. He added that the organisation’s core committee would soon decide on holding a Tiranga March in support of the agitating students. Sabita Kumari, one of the hunger strikers, said the protesters were compelled to take the extreme step after the government failed to respond to their demands.
With close scrutiny and complete seriousness, decisions addressing their demands and queries will be announced at the appropriate time. I am confident that the protesters will be reassured, Soren told reporters. Meanwhile, the Jharkhand Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested 14 people in connection with the alleged examination irregularities.
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