Jharkhand Students Protest: After Sonam Wangchuk's Appeal, Devendra Nath Mahato Starts Drinking Water; Vows To Continue Hunger Stir

Ranchi: Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike against alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations, consumed water on Wednesday following a video appeal by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.

Mahto had been agitating against alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations.

The student leader agreed to drink water after a video interaction with Wangchuk. Mahto had initially refused both food and water, but following Wangchuk's appeal, agreed to drink water. During the conversation with Wangchuk, he saluted the students' spirit in supporting the movement and appealed to the government to seriously consider their demands.

During the video conversation, Wangchuk expressed solidarity with the protesting students. "We salute your spirit and efforts. You have not raised any personal demands; instead, you are advocating for the interests of students and improvements in the education system. The entire nation is listening to your voice. The government should listen to the students' demands and find a solution," Wangchuk told Mahto.

During the conversation, Wangchuk urged Mahto to at least consume water while on the hunger strike. He stated that the objective of Satyagraha is not to die by suicide, but to awaken the "conscience of society and the government."

Wangchuk said, "There are various ways to observe a hunger strike. You should consume at least water, salt, and lemon. If possible, honey and water can also be taken. Even Mahatma Gandhi used to consume water and salt during his fasts. If you do not consume any water at all, your body will give up after a few days. Our goal is to awaken our own souls and shake the conscience of the government, not to endanger our lives. Therefore, I repeatedly urge you to consume water."

Responding to the appeal, Mahto drank a glass of water on camera. Mahato said that his health was steadily deteriorating. He said he had been experiencing severe physical weakness, headaches, and body aches. "I have been on Satyagraha since July 25. I haven't slept properly for days, and I have abstained from both food and water since August 2."

Mahto also described Wangchuk as his role model and said he had drawn inspiration from his protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. He added that despite repeated advice from doctors and supporters to drink water, he had refused until Wangchuk made a personal appeal to him. According to the doctors, his blood sugar and blood pressure levels were dropping continuously.

Responding to Mahato, Wangchuk added, "If you consider me your role model, then please listen to this one request: consume water. This struggle could be a long one, and for it to continue, you need to remain alive and healthy. Your survival is crucial to awakening the government's conscience. I hope the government will soon take a positive decision."

At the end of the video call, Wangchuk appealed to all the students involved in the movement to continue their struggle peacefully. He reiterated that during the fast, they should at least consume water, salt, and essential fluids.

Following the appeal and Wangchuk's assurance of continued support, Mahto consumed water. "Please consume water. I support your movement and will continue to stand with you. I will also keep interacting with you all from time to time. Continue your movement in a peaceful and democratic manner; the entire nation is listening to your voice, and I am personally with you as well," Wangchuk told Mahto.

Protest Background

Mahto has emerged as the face of the ongoing student movement in the state. Protests have been held across Ranchi and other parts of Jharkhand following allegations of question paper leaks and tampered OMR sheets in recent government recruitment examinations.

The agitating students have put forward three principal demands-

• Transfer of the investigation from the state Crime Investigation Department (CID) to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to ensure an impartial probe.
• Cancellation of the 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination until transparency in the evaluation process is established.
• Direct intervention by Chief Minister Hemant Soren to engage with student representatives and reforms in the state's examination system.

Concern Over Health Of Protesters

Meanwhile, concern is growing over the health of protesters at the site. Among the protesters, Brahmanand Kumar, a student from Ramgarh, has continued his fast without consuming food or water.

A medical team from Sadar Hospital is regularly visiting the protest site to monitor the health of those on the hunger strike. Doctors have warned that prolonged fasting without food or water could lead to issues such as physical weakness and a drop in blood sugar levels and blood pressure. The protesters, however, reiterated that their Satyagraha (peaceful protest) will continue until the government addresses their demands.

Govt's Doors Open For Protesting Students

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren assured protesting students that the government would take appropriate action over irregularities in recruitment examinations and said that their doors are open for protesting students. He said, “I have said this before as well,” the government's doors are always open for the students.

He said the government was awaiting findings of the investigation team. "Students will get justice,” the Chief Minister said.

Also Read

1. Students Continue Protests in Ranchi Over Alleged JPSC, JSSC Exam Irregularities, Demand CBI Probe
2. ‘Want To Be Proud of Govt Promises’: Sonam Wangchuk Takes Veiled Swipe At Centre But Praises Railways