On Wednesday, noted activist Sonam Wangchuk reached out to Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on a hunger strike for four days in Jharkhand. Mahto protests alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. Wangchuk urged him to drink water to maintain his health.
Mahto complied with Wangchuk’s suggestion, ingesting water after four days of fasting. As tensions escalated, five more individuals from the JPSC, JSSC Reforms Manch began an indefinite hunger strike on Tuesday night. This heightened the tally of fasting protesters at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to six.
Devendra Nath Mahto represents the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha and has fasted at the same location for four consecutive days. Wangchuk, who recently completed a 26-day fast in Delhi regarding the NEET paper leak, expressed concern for Mahto’s dwindling blood pressure and sugar levels.
The protesters have demanded the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination along with sweeping reforms in both the JPSC and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). They are also calling for an investigation into alleged exam irregularities, preferably by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or by a panel of retired judges.
Jivan Kumar, the spokesperson for the JPSC, JSSC Reforms Manch, noted that five new participants, including two women, initiated their hunger strike from Tuesday night to emphasize their demands.
In light of the escalating protest, a core committee meeting is planned to consider organizing a ‘Tiranga March’ in support of student grievances. Sabita Kumari, one of the hunger strikers, stated they felt compelled to take such extreme measures due to the government’s inaction.
Another protester, Habiba, urged attention towards their plight, likening Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s role to a guardian. She expressed hope that the CM would acknowledge their sufferings and address their demands. “The chief minister says the government is sensitive. It may be, but we want action and justice, not assurance,” she asserted.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced on Tuesday that his administration takes the protesters’ concerns seriously, stating that a resolution would be reached soon. “We will make decisions addressing their demands and queries at the appropriate time,” Soren assured amidst growing public interest in the issue.
Leader of the Opposition, Babulal Marandi, has voiced robust support for the protesters’ demands, insisting that the government must cancel the 14th JPSC exam and assign the investigation to the CBI. He added that the current inquiry by the CID seems an attempt to obscure the truth.
Senior Congress leader Ajoy Kumar called on the state government to form a probe panel led by a high court judge. He also demanded the dismissal of all JPSC officials and cancellation of recent exam results. The Congress party is a significant ally in the Hemant Soren-led coalition.
Amidst the interviews, the Jharkhand Police’s CID has arrested 14 individuals linked to the alleged recruitment irregularities. Additionally, due to mounting pressure from demonstrators, the JPSC postponed the Combined Civil Services Mains Examination that was scheduled for July 25-27, citing unavoidable circumstances.
The CID has intensified its investigation, having questioned L Khiangte, the former chairman of the JPSC, on four occasions since July 28. In conjunction, the CID has conducted raids at 18 different locations, including various districts such as Ranchi, Palamu, Hazaribagh, Bokaro, and Dhanbad.
