Former Chief Minister Raghuvir Das speaks out against alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC exams, warns of hunger strike.

Student protests in Jharkhand have been ongoing for 19 days due to alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC exams. JLKM leader Devendra Mahto has been on a hunger strike for 11 days, despite being hospitalized. In light of this, students have issued a warning about the start of a large-scale movement.

Wednesday marked the eleventh day of the hunger strike by Devendra Nat Mahto, leader of the Jharkhand Democratic Revolutionary Front (JLKM). He continued his fast while in the hospital. Despite feeling unwell, on August 10, he participated in surrounding the legislative assembly building with students before being admitted to Sadar Hospital.

Recently, Devendra Nat Mahto released a video from the hospital, stating that his hunger strike continues even while hospitalized and will last until the students' demands are heard.

At the Jai Pal Singh Munda square, protesting students warned that they would conduct a massive protest if their demands were not met. Students claim that during the surrounding of the legislative assembly on August 10, the police used batons, tear gas, and water cannons against them.

Student movement leader Ravindra Paswan stated that despite all attempts by the police to stop the march to the legislative assembly, about 50,000 students participated. He thanked everyone for the success of this march. He also reported that although the police supported them for five hours, panic suddenly set in, and people started running in different directions, accusing the police of attacking students with batons.

Another student leader, Piyush Kumar, also stated that batons were used against students during the surrounding of the legislative assembly. He emphasized that they have been conducting peaceful demonstrations to achieve their goals for many days, but if the government does not agree, they will have to take more decisive steps.

He added: 'We are still ready for negotiations with the government, but that does not mean they can use batons against students.' He called on the head of the government to meet with the students as soon as possible and listen to their demands. He warned that if their demands are not met, they will turn this protest into a 'mass movement.'

Students have been protesting against the irregularity of the JPSC and JSSC exams for the past 18 days. Their demand is for the government to launch a CBI investigation into the JSSC-CGL exam. Meanwhile, the state government has already transferred this matter to the ED.

Student leader Devendra Nat Mahto began a hunger strike on August 2nd in protest against irregularities in the JPSC-JSSC CGL examinations. Student demonstrations continue in Janakpur, and Mahto is participating in them while maintaining his fast. Experts have explained what consequences such a prolonged abstinence from food can have.

Jharkhand Students' Protest

In the initial stage of fasting, the body uses stored energy. In the absence of food, the body breaks down glycogen stored in the liver, converting it into glucose for energy. After about 24 hours, glycogen levels significantly decrease, and the body switches to using other energy sources, including fat stored in the body. Fat breakdown leads to the formation of ketones, which the body uses for energy. At this stage, mild symptoms of weakness may begin, and in some cases, dizziness is observed, which is felt around the third day of fasting.

Risks increase between days 4 and 10. Professor Subhash Giri, Director of the Department of Medicine at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi, reported that if a person does not eat until the fourth day, the body begins to use not only fat but also muscles for energy. This can negatively affect muscle strength and the immune system. Additionally, some people may experience low blood pressure, and the balance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium may be disrupted.

If a person drinks water during a fast, it can provide some relief, but complete refusal of water carries the risk of deterioration. This can lead to decreased urination, a drop in blood sugar levels, disruption of normal heart rhythm, and a decrease in blood pressure. In such a situation, the administration of physiological solution (saline) is extremely important.

Resuming Food Intake is Also Not Easy

Dr. Subhash warns that after several days of not eating, one cannot suddenly start consuming large amounts of food. Resumption of nutrition must occur under medical supervision, preferably in an inpatient setting. This is because after a long fast, there is a danger of developing refeeding syndrome, in which electrolytes can change rapidly when food intake begins, which can seriously affect the heart, respiratory system, and other organs.

The condition of Rahul, who is on a hunger strike in Rachi, suddenly deteriorated amid the ongoing student demonstration, which has been going on for two weeks. Rahul is one of the participants in the protest who are continuously observing the fast. After his health worsened, medics took him to the hospital.

Students are holding this protest against alleged violations and leaks of examination materials in the JPSC and JSSC exams. The protesters argue that the issue goes beyond the condition of one person and is a result of long-standing dissatisfaction. They emphasized that their demands must be heard. According to the students, they have already approached Rahul Gandhi, and he supported their demands, but now they are waiting for an opportunity to meet him.

Rahul continues his hunger strike. Students state that he has been fasting and drinking water for four days, which led to the deterioration of his health because his body was in the heat. Rahul had taken several exams and successfully passed the teacher assistant exam, but despite this, he has not received an appointment. Students accuse the government of nepotism and getting positions through 'back channels' while they continue to work on exam preparation.

The story of Savita, 27, participating in the demonstration, illustrates the difficulties of this movement. Savita said that her father fought for her education, but now she does not know where to go. She notes that years pass, she has worked hard, but the system is letting her down.

Student movement leader Devendra Nath Mahto stated that his appearance reflects his health condition. He could speak only a little, thinking and speaking, as the rest of his body did not support him. He called the government's reaction to the students extremely insensitive. He also expressed a desire to create a system where falsifications and material leaks would be impossible.

Local residents are also supporting the students protesting in Rachi. People are helping them both online and with cash, but the students refuse to accept money. Local traders are also ready to provide any possible assistance. Voices of support are coming from all over the country. In bad weather conditions, the SJP party sent raincoats to the students, and its leader is arriving in Rachi today.