Ranchi: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday reached out to student leader Devendra Nath Mahato, who is observing an indefinite hunger strike in Ranchi over alleged irregularities in the JPSC, JSSC CGL and other competitive examinations
After the conversation, Mahato said Wangchuk had promised continued backing for the students’ movement in Jharkhand. He added that he would now consume water and salt, but would keep up his hunger strike until the authorities responded to their demands.
During the interaction, Wangchuk asked Mahato about his health condition. Mahato replied, “We have been on Satyagraha since July 25th; I sat on the indefinite hunger strike on August 2nd. I was extremely exhausted–it was a critical time… Papers have been leaking here for 26 years… Yesterday, the doctor warned that if I didn’t take water, I would have to be admitted to the hospital…”
Wangchuk then appealed to the student leader to withdraw the fast, saying, “Please take some water; this is tantamount to suicide… You need some time, but it could be 2-3 weeks as well, and I hope that the government will understand and make the right decision.”
Mahato said the support from Wangchuk had lifted the morale of the protesting students, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “Sonam Wangchuk sir, by supporting our movement, has increased our morale. He has increased it so much that now we will definitely make the government back down. For the last four days, I had given up both water and food, and my condition was quite bad. He made a lot of pleas, requests, and appeals, saying, ‘Take water and salt, and everyone is always with you, and surely your movement will be successful.’ Many others had requested before for me to take water and salt, but I had refused everyone. However, with one condition, I have accepted water from Sonam sir.”
Mahato began his indefinite fast on Sunday night at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, where students have been staging protests over alleged irregularities in several recruitment examinations.
The agitation intensified after the results of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination were declared on July 5, with aspirants alleging wrongdoing in the selection process. Students have since continued their round-the-clock protest and indefinite sit-in, demanding a transparent and accountable probe into the recruitment irregularities.
CM Hemant Soren’s Stand
Earlier on Tuesday, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the state government was sensitive to the concerns of students and was keeping a close watch on the matter.
“I have said this before as well, the government has eyes and ears; it is sensitive to the issue…the way the investigation team is working day and night, we are waiting for its answer and a conclusion…very soon we will make the students and the people of the state aware about it. All the necessities of the students will be met, and they will get justice,” Soren said.