Jharkhand protest: Round 7 of talks with Govt on day 16 of hunger strike today – what’s the latest?

Jharkhand Job Aspirant Agitation Enters Day 24 as Seventh Round of Government Talks Looms

Theindiapostdaily.com – Four student demonstrators continued their hunger strike in Ranchi on Monday as the protest by JPSC-JSSC candidates crossed its 24th day. A new round of negotiations with the state government, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, was set for that afternoon, marking the seventh such session since the agitation began.

Government Extends Invitation for Dialogue

The Ranchi district administration confirmed that the sub-divisional officer and additional district magistrate, law and order, had met with the demonstrators at the protest encampment near Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. Following that encounter, officials extended an invitation for the seventh round of discussions.

“The protesting students have been invited for a discussion on August 17 at 2 pm. They have been offered the option to participate in the talks accompanied by their legal advisors,” the statement issued by the Ranchi district administration said.

The students accepted the invitation and agreed to meet a government delegation at the State Guest House in Ranchi at 2 pm on Monday.

Threat of Gherao Precedes the Talks

The invitation arrived just one day after JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, the body coordinating the agitation, declared its members would surround Chief Minister Soren’s residence on August 20, pressing for his resignation. That ultimatum underscored the urgency with which both sides approached the upcoming session.

Mahto Calls for Lasting Educational Reform

Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who had reached the 16th day of his personal hunger strike over alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission examinations, used a Sunday post on X to frame the stakes beyond the immediate dispute.

“On the 15th day of the hunger strike (Sunday), the situation is extremely critical and in its final phase. Yesterday, the government called for talks. We hope that this dialogue will yield a positive outcome and bring about such reforms in the education system that the coming generations will not have to endure the pain, struggle, and hardship that many young people are facing today,” he said on X.

Nayak: Health Failing, Resolve Unbroken

Prem Nayak, another protester who had fasted for 14 days, told ANI that his physical condition was worsening sharply. Yet he rejected any notion of withdrawing from the agitation.

“This is the 24th day of dharna and the 14th day of my hunger strike. My condition is serious, and my health is deteriorating. I don’t feel I will live long, but I would rather die than step back. I will fight for this state and country till my last breath,” Nayak said.

He also accused the administration of stalling and treating the candidates’ grievances with indifference.

“The government is not serious, not ready for talks. They are going around in circles. I would like to tell the government to think about us. Students are growing furious; you never know when this spark will turn into flames,” he said.

(With agency inputs)