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Mahto agreed to take water on Wangchuk's request. (Photo: X)
Ranchi: Amid the massive protest, Devendra Nath Mahto, prominent Jharkhand student leader who was in indefinite hunger strike over alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations, drank water on Wednesday after a personal appeal from activist Sonam Wangchuk. Mahto, however, clarified that his protest is not over and he will not eat unless the government satisfies students' demands.
The 33-year-old protest leader has been fasting since August 3, calling for action over alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), JSSC CGL and other state-level competitive examinations.
The 10-minute video call came as Wangchuk recently spearheaded a nationwide students' agitation. Speaking about Mahto's health, Wangchuk told him to eat at least water whilst he continued his agitation.
Mr Mahto agreed to take water on Wangchuk's request after admitting he had not been keeping well.
"I was not keeping well, but on Sonam Wangchuk ji's request, I took water. We need the same support that you extended to us during the Jantar Mantar protest," he said.
But Mr Mahto clarified that taking water does not signify the end of the fast.
"I will not consume food until the government fulfils our demands. I have only taken water," he said.
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During the video call, Mahto also invited Wangchuk to visit Ranchi and support the ongoing movement.
He told the activist that he would end his hunger strike only after meeting him in person, saying the protesting students have great respect for Wangchuk and wanted him to stand with their movement.
The protest is on increase as the Monsoon Session of the Jharkhand Assembly nears. For the last 10 days, several job aspirants have been walking out protest demanding the annulment of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam, reforms for JPSC and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), and an independent investigation into the alleged unfairness of the exam.
The protestors have demanded a CBI investigation or an enquiry by a panel of retired High Court judges from outside the state.
Six students including Mahto have started an indefinite hunger strike, said Jivan Kumar, a spokesperson for the JPSC-JSSC reforms manch, and there were also a bunch of more programme to be taken up to boost the march, including a Tiranga March.
One of the hunger students said the students had taken that step as none of their petition were accepted despite all the requests and pleas extended for their solution.
Anything will happen if the students approach the government, said Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, and assured that all their issues will be treated seriously.
"The windows of the government are open for everybody. Those who have concerns can approach the office and express them. The government will consider them seriously," Soren said.
He added that the investigations into the alleged fault were already underway and that a number of people were arrested. The chief minister said they will soon start working towards a solution.
Meanwhile, the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has extended support to the protesting aspirants and indicated that a high-level committee may soon be formed to examine their demands.
