Jharkhand student leader ends no-water fast after Wangchuk appeal, but hunger strike continues
Ranchi: Devendra Nath Mahto, a Jharkhand student leader, drank water on Friday after four days of fasting without food or water, following an appeal by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. However, Mahto made it clear that his indefinite hunger strike over alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations will continue.
Mahto, who is spearheading a protest by students in Jharkhand, had been on a fast since Tuesday, demanding action against those responsible for alleged malpractices in government recruitment exams. His condition had become a matter of concern, with supporters and civil society members urging him to end the fast.
The turning point came when Sonam Wangchuk, the renowned education activist and founder of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh, reportedly spoke to Mahto and appealed to him to drink water. Wangchuk, known for his own hunger strikes over education policy, was said to have urged Mahto to keep up the movement without endangering his life.
After drinking water, Mahto spoke to reporters and reaffirmed his commitment. "I have complied with Wangchuk ji's request, but the agitation will go on. Our demands remain unchanged. The youth of Jharkhand are being denied their right to fair and transparent recruitment," he said.
The protest stems from long-standing allegations of question paper leaks and manipulation in examinations conducted for state government jobs. Students have been demanding a thorough investigation, cancellation of tainted exams, and fresh recruitment drives in a time-bound manner. Allegations have targeted the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission and other bodies, though no official findings have been made public.
The protest in Jharkhand has seen a series of demonstrations, including road blockades and rallies, with student groups from various organisations participating. The current fast was aimed at intensifying pressure on the state administration to respond to the demands.
Local administration has been monitoring the situation. Officials have been in touch with protest leaders to ensure law and order. A senior police officer said, "We are aware of the protest and are ensuring that no violence occurs. The student leaders have been cooperative."
Political reactions have emerged, with opposition parties in the state criticising the government over the recruitment irregularities. Meanwhile, sections of the ruling establishment have maintained that necessary steps are being taken to address grievances. The state government has previously constituted committees to look into exam-related complaints, but protesters have argued that these efforts lack teeth.
Members of civil society and student bodies have expressed concern over the prolonged hunger strike. Several offered support to Mahto, while also urging all stakeholders to resolve the issue through dialogue. The appeal by Wangchuk, who has a significant following among young people, has been seen as a humanitarian intervention that helped de-escalate a potentially critical health situation.
Mahto's decision to continue his fast despite drinking water means the protest will remain a focal point in the coming days. His supporters have announced plans for more demonstrations if the government fails to meet the demands. The next course of action, they said, will depend on the administration's response.
The episode highlights the deep frustration among students in Jharkhand over employment opportunities and the integrity of recruitment processes. For many, the protests are not just about individual exams but about the larger promise of fair and merit-based selection in public services.
As the hunger strike continues, medical teams have been urged to monitor Mahto's health. Doctors have warned that while water intake reduces immediate risk, prolonged fasting can still lead to complications. Activists have called on the government to initiate a constructive dialogue to end the impasse.
The development also raises questions about the effectiveness of protest methods and the responsibility of authorities to address systemic concerns. While the immediate health risk has been mitigated, the underlying issues remain unresolved. A transparent and time-bound investigation into the alleged irregularities is essential to restore confidence in the recruitment system and to uphold the rights of the youth.
