Ranchi (Jharkhand): The ongoing student movement in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations showed no signs of slowing down on Thursday, with student leader and Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) member Devendra Nath Mahato reaffirming that his indefinite hunger strike remains in force.
Mahato clarified that he has not ended his fast, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise. He said he resumed drinking only water after speaking with social activist Sonam Wangchuk, but has not consumed any solid food.
Calling the reports about the withdrawal of his hunger strike “misleading,” Mahato said the protest would continue until the government addresses the concerns of students and accepts their key demands.
Negotiations Likely Soon
The student leader said discussions with the state government are expected to take place shortly. Representatives of the protesting students and government officials are likely to participate in the talks, which are aimed at finding a resolution to the ongoing impasse.
He expressed hope that the dialogue would result in concrete action and restore the confidence of candidates awaiting fair recruitment processes.
Protest Over Recruitment Exams Persists
Students have been protesting in Ranchi over alleged discrepancies in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination, and other competitive tests.
The demonstrators have been demanding transparency, accountability, and corrective measures in the recruitment process, alleging that deserving candidates have been adversely affected.
Police Recruitment Aspirants Extend Support
The protest has gained wider backing, with aspirants preparing for the Jharkhand Police recruitment at the Birsa Physical Academy joining the movement. The group expressed solidarity with the agitating students, saying they too support the demand for a transparent and credible recruitment system.
As the hunger strike enters its fifth day and discussions with the government are expected, the focus now shifts to whether the proposed talks can break the deadlock and address the students’ longstanding concerns.
