Students protesting alleged irregularities in the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Civil Services Examination have intensified their agitation in Ranchi, launching an indefinite hunger strike and warning that the protest will continue until the state government agrees to a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.
Hunger strike gathers momentum
Five students began their hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Stadium on Tuesday, marking a new phase in the ongoing protest over the recruitment examination. The agitation has now entered its 10th day.
The fast began after protesters organised a Shrandhanjali March to pay tribute to Dishom Guru Shibu Soren on his first death anniversary.
Explaining the strategy behind the protest, spokesperson Ravindra Kumar Paswan said, “The hunger strike started with five students today, and the number will increase by five every day until the state government orders a CBI probe into the matter.”
The students have been demanding an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities in the examination process, along with the resolution of related grievances.
More demonstrations planned
The students' hunger strike comes a day after Jharkhand Krantikari Loktantrik Morcha (JKLM) leader Devendranath Mahto also began an indefinite fast at the same venue in support of the demand for a CBI investigation.
Apart from the hunger strike, several protest marches have also been planned to increase pressure on the state government. JKLM has announced a Vidhan Sabha March on August 6. The All India Students' Association (AISA), along with other people's organisations, is scheduled to hold a similar march on August 7.
Meanwhile, a separate group of students, who say they are not affiliated with any political party and want to keep the movement free from political interference, has planned its own march on August 10.
Assam CM Biswa Sarma backs protesters
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also weighed in on the issue, expressing support for the agitating students through a post on X.
“During the Jharkhand Assembly elections, I had the opportunity to closely witness the pain, anger, and concerns of JSSC-CGL aspirants regarding the recruitment process. I can well understand the feelings of the students protesting today for their future and for justice,” Sarma wrote.
He further said, “If the JMM-Congress-RJD Jharkhand government had acted with sensitivity and transparency regarding the students’ complaints in a timely manner, the situation would not have reached this point. Unfortunately, allegations of irregularities and paper leaks have continued to mount, and today the future of lakhs of youth is in crisis.”
Will go to Jharkhand to back students: Dipke
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Wednesday said they will go to Jharkhand in support of the students protesting there over alleged irregularities in the state public service examination and other recruitment tests.
Dipke said, "We will definitely go to Jharkhand, we will stand with them and support their every demand in the agitation."
On whether the CJP will enter politics, Dipke said the media seemed more excited than the outfit.
Sonam Wangchuk speaks to student leader
Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday appealed to student leader Devendra Nath Mahato to end his indefinite hunger strike in Ranchi, expressing concern over his deteriorating health. Mahato has been protesting against alleged irregularities in the JPSC, JSSC CGL and other competitive examinations.
During their conversation, Wangchuk asked Mahato about his condition. Responding to the query, Mahato said, "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..."
Concerned about his health, Wangchuk urged Mahato to take water and end the fast. "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," he said.
Following the conversation, Mahato said Wangchuk assured him of continued support for the students' movement in Jharkhand. He agreed to consume water and salt but said he would continue his indefinite hunger strike until the government responds to the students' demands.