The protest by students against corruption and leakage of examination materials in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) continues in Ranchi. Student leader Devendra Nat Mahto is on a hunger strike, which has reached its sixth day; despite his deteriorating health, his resolve remains unwavering.
A medical team that arrived to check his condition during the hunger strike reported that Devendra Nat Mahto's condition is a serious concern. He has developed a chest infection, and his blood pressure and blood sugar levels have significantly dropped. Doctors, SDM officials, and the local police chief advised him to be hospitalized immediately. However, Devendra Mahto insists on his stance, stating that he will not back down an inch from the site of the hunger strike until negotiations with the government are successful.
'Even if this white sheet turns into a shroud, the hunger strike will not stop,' Devendra Mahto told Aaj Tak. He stated that he does not communicate with his family, fearing that conversation would make him emotionally vulnerable and weaken the movement. He emphasized: 'This white sheet I am lying on, even if it becomes a shroud, the hunger strike will not stop until negotiations with the government are successful.'
Near Devendra Mahto, in Hajharibagh, Mahendra Prasad has also been on a hunger strike for four days. During a conversation, he cried in front of the camera. He shared that he has two young daughters at home but does not speak to them on the phone so as not to undermine the morale of his family. Mahendra noted that despite obtaining an engineering degree in 2014, he could not find a job, after which his family began to consider him useless. He decided to take the path of struggle and left home. He took the JPSC and JSSC exams, but material leaks constantly occurred. He did not have enough funds to buy a seat. Mahendra said: 'Today I am crying so that future generations do not have to cry.'
According to government sources, given the seriousness of the situation, the government has invited the students to negotiations. An important meeting between a 10-member student delegation and government representatives is expected to take place at 7 PM at Serkit House in Mohrabadi.
