Jharkhand hunger strike: Sonam Wangchuk urges Devendra Nath Mahato to drink water; Abhijeet Dipke says ‘will …’

Jharkhand Hunger Strike: Wangchuk Urges Mahato to Drink Water

Theindiapostdaily.com – The Jharkhand hunger strike has gained significant attention as climate activist Sonam Wangchuk reached out to student leader Devendra Nath Mahato, who is currently undertaking an open-ended fast. Wangchuk, who recently returned to Ladakh after a successful campaign demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, wanted to ensure Mahato’s wellbeing during this critical period. The activist’s intervention comes as the protest intensifies, with more students joining the cause.

Mahato’s Jharkhand hunger strike specifically targets alleged malpractices in several competitive examinations conducted in the state. The JPSC and JSSC CGL examinations have been at the center of controversy, with students alleging widespread paper leaks and irregularities. These concerns have been building for years, with Mahato noting that papers have been leaking for 26 years in the state’s examination system.

Wangchuk’s Concern and Advice

According to ANI, Mahato shared his situation with Wangchuk during their conversation:

… 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…

The veteran educationist, who once endured a 26-day fast himself, urged Mahato to consume water, warning that refusing to do so would be

tantamount to suicide

. Wangchuk further explained:

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.

Protest Intensifies

The Jharkhand hunger strike demonstration has grown stronger with five additional participants joining Mahato. They are operating under the JPSC and JSSC Reforms Manch banner as the State Assembly prepares for its Monsoon Session. Since July 25, demonstrators have called for the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission examination. They are also pressing for comprehensive reforms in both the commission and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission.

The students have been demanding transparency in the examination process, citing numerous instances of paper leaks and irregularities. Their protest has not only gained local support but has also attracted attention from national figures who have been involved in similar educational reforms.

Government Response and Student Sentiment

Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed his administration’s commitment to resolving the issue. Speaking to reporters in Ranchi, he stated:

With scrutiny and complete seriousness, decisions addressing their demands and queries will be announced at the appropriate time. I am confident that the protesters will be reassured.

Despite this assurance, Sabita Kumari, another hunger striker, revealed that participants felt compelled to begin their protest because the state government had not met their requirements. Habiba, a fellow protester, added:

The CM is like our guardian. When children are hungry, a guardian also feels pain. So, we hope that he will listen to our grievances and demands.

Support from Abhijeet Dipke

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party and leader of the campaign against NEET-UG paper leaks, announced plans to travel to Jharkhand. He confirmed:

We will definitely go to Jharkhand, we will stand with them and support their every demand in the agitation.

Dipke’s involvement adds credibility to the Jharkhand hunger strike, as he has been instrumental in highlighting educational issues across India. His presence is expected to bring more attention to the students’ demands and potentially accelerate the government’s response.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Jharkhand hunger strike about?

The Jharkhand hunger strike is a protest by students against alleged malpractices in competitive examinations, particularly the JPSC and JSSC CGL tests. Students are demanding cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination and comprehensive reforms in both commissions.

Who is Devendra Nath Mahato?

Devendra Nath Mahato is a student leader from Jharkhand who began an open-ended hunger strike on August 2nd after being on Satyagraha since July 25th. He is protesting against paper leaks and irregularities in state examinations.

What did Sonam Wangchuk advise Mahato?

Sonam Wangchuk urged Mahato to drink water, warning that refusing to do so would be tantamount to suicide. He also expressed hope that the government would understand the students’ demands and make the right decision.

When will the government announce its decision?

Chief Minister Hemant Soren stated that decisions addressing the protesters’ demands would be announced at the appropriate time, with complete seriousness and scrutiny.

With agency inputs