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Jharkhand student leader takes water on Sonam Wangchuk’s appeal, hunger strike continues

hellohimachalse@gmail.com 05 Aug 2026 3 days ago

New Delhi: Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who began an indefinite hunger strike on July 3, consumed water on Wednesday after activist Sonam Wangchuk appealed to him during a video call.

Mahto, 33, has sought action over alleged irregularities in the JPSC, JSSC CGL and other state-level competitive examinations. Wangchuk expressed solidarity with the protesters during the 10-minute call and voiced concern about Mahto’s worsening health.

“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 [during the nationwide students’ protest], we need the same support and presence here as well,” Mahto said.

Fast to continue

Mahto said consuming water did not mean that he had ended his protest. He vowed to continue the hunger strike until the state government accepted the students’ demands.

“I will not consume food until the government fulfills our demands. I have only taken water,” he said.

The student leader also invited Wangchuk to Ranchi and said he would end the fast 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,” Mahto said.

Students list demands

Mahto is among six protesters who launched an indefinite hunger strike in Ranchi. The agitation gained momentum ahead of the Jharkhand Assembly’s Monsoon Session, which begins on Thursday.

The protesters have demanded the cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination and extensive reforms in the JPSC and JSSC. They have also sought a CBI investigation or a probe by an independent panel of retired high court judges from outside Jharkhand.

Sabita Kumari, one of the hunger strikers, said the government’s failure to address their concerns had “forced” them to take the extreme step.

JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch spokesperson Jivan Kumar said its core committee would consider organising a Tiranga March in support of the students.

Government assures action

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said on Tuesday that his government had taken the job aspirants’ concerns seriously.

“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 said.

The state police’s CID has arrested 14 people in connection with the alleged irregularities. The JPSC has also postponed the Combined Civil Services Mains Examination scheduled for July 25 to 27, citing “unavoidable circumstances.”

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke also backed the protesters. He said the youth-led group would act as a pressure group and had no immediate plan to contest elections.

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