After a video call with Sonam Wangchuk, the student leader who was on hunger strike for 4 days drank water.
Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto continues indefinite hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, demanding action over alleged irregularities in JPSC, JSSC-CGL and other competitive examinations.
The protest has entered its 12th day, with hundreds of students and youths continuing their agitation despite heavy rainfall and changing weather conditions.
Sonam Wangchuk urges hunger strikers to drink water
Activist Sonam Wangchuk spoke with Devendra Nath Mahto and enquired about his health condition. Mahto stated that students have been on satyagraha since July 25 and he started his indefinite hunger strike on August 2. He said his condition had become critical due to exhaustion.
Mahto alleged, “Examination papers have been leaking in the state for the past 26 years.” He said doctors had warned him that if he did not consume water, he would have to be hospitalised.
Wangchuk appealed to Mahto to end his waterless protest, saying that continuing without water could be dangerous. He urged the government to understand the situation and take appropriate action.
Students continue protest at stadium amid rain
The movement began on July 25, and since July 29, students have been staging a sit-in protest at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium on Kachahri Road.
Student leaders Devendranath Mahto and Brahmanand Kumar from Ramgarh have been on hunger strike for four days. Brahmanand is continuing his fast under the open sky near the statue of Jaipal Singh Munda.
More student leaders join hunger strike
Student leaders Sabita Kumari, Archana Kumari, Rahul Kranti, Rupesh Kumar and Umme Habiba have also joined the hunger strike. Meanwhile, the All India Students’ Association (AISA) has announced a Vidhan Sabha gherao on August 7 over the issue.
After talking to Sonam Wangchuk on a video call, Brahmanand Kumar drank water. He said that the hunger strike will continue.
See pictures of the student movement in Ranchi
Student leader Brahmanand Kumar, a resident of Ramgarh, continued his hunger strike amidst the rain on Tuesday.
When Devendranath Mahto’s health deteriorated during the hunger strike, his blood pressure and sugar level dropped, after which the medical team administered saline to him.
Devendra Mahto’s health deteriorates, given saline during hunger strike
Student leader Devendranath Mahto’s health condition worsened during his indefinite hunger strike, following which doctors administered saline after his blood pressure and sugar levels dropped. He has been complaining of body pain, weakness and dehydration.
Meanwhile, fellow protester Brahmanand Kumar said he had appeared for examinations including JSSC CGL, JPSC FRO, ACF and Field Worker, but faced irregularities every time.
Students hold tribute march amid ongoing protest
As part of the agitation, protesting students organised a tribute march on Tuesday (4 Aug) evening in memory of Dishom Guru Shibu Soren. Carrying his photographs and cut-outs, students marched from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk and paid tribute.
Candidates from across Jharkhand participated in the march. While the movement had initially remained away from political parties, political leaders have now started extending support, with legislators also joining the protest.
MLAs, leaders extend support to student movement
MLA Jayram Mahto visited the protest site at night and said that he would continue his role as a legislator during the day but stand with students as one of them at night. Former MLA Amba Prasad also expressed support for the agitation.
Mathematics teacher and renowned educator Abhinay Sharma reached the protest venue and said students would have to fight strongly to bring changes in the system. Hindutva leader Bhairav Singh also extended his support to the movement.
AISA announces Assembly march as student agitation intensifies
The ongoing student protest in Jharkhand is set to expand across the state, with the All India Students’ Association (AISA) announcing a march towards the Assembly on August 7. The organisation has started preparations to mobilise students from different parts of the state.
JNU student leader to join protest
JNU Students’ Union National President Neha Bora is also expected to participate in the Assembly march. AISA State President Vibha Pushpa Deep and Secretary Trilokinath have demanded that the government hold talks with protesting students and provide a clear assurance on resolving their concerns.
Political support grows around student movement
Meanwhile, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has announced a separate march from DSPMU Morabadi to Albert Ekka Chowk. The protest has also received support from Bollywood actor Sonakshi Sinha, who termed the problems faced by students as “sad” in a social media post.
Former CM seeks CBI probe into allegations
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghuvar Das has written to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, demanding a CBI investigation into the allegations raised by students.
On the other hand, Congress leader Alok Kumar Dubey said the government would soon initiate dialogue with the protesting students.
Pictures of protest visible in posters…
This movement was started by students on July 25. Since July 29, they have been sitting on a dharna at the stadium. The students’ demand is that the alleged irregularities in the examination be investigated by the CBI.
Former JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte is being continuously questioned in this matter.
Former Chief Minister Raghuvar Das has written a letter to Chief Minister Hemant Soren demanding a CBI investigation.
The movement has also received support from Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha, who called the students’ plight “sad” on social media.
CM assures action, says decision on student demands soon
Chief Minister Hemant Soren said, “The government is closely monitoring the ongoing student protest and will soon take a decision based on their demands and concerns.” He expressed hope that students would be satisfied with the steps taken by the government.
Probe underway, truth will come out soon: CM
The Chief Minister said, “Several processes are currently underway and the investigation team is actively examining all aspects of the matter.”
He added, “The inquiry will reveal any irregularities or wrongdoing, after which the government’s statement and further decisions will be announced.”
