The students’ agitation over alleged irregularities in the JPSC-JSSC examinations in Jharkhand continues for the 16th consecutive day. The third round of talks between the government and the students is currently underway. The meeting has been going on for around two and a half hours at the State Guest House.
Talks are being held with both groups, the team led by Devendranath Mahto, who contested the Lok Sabha election, and the student group. A six-member team is representing the protesters in discussions with the government.
The first two rounds of talks, held on Friday and Saturday, ended without a resolution.
Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since 2 August, fell ill at around 3am on Sunday. He is currently being treated under medical supervision, with fluids being administered through an IV drip.
JLKM MLA Jairam Mahto is also observing a one-day fast on Sunday in support of the protesting students.
Photos related to the students’ protest
On the martyrdom day of martyr Nirmal Mahto, students took out a flash light march from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk in the evening.
National President of All India Students’ Association (AISA), Neha Bora, spoke with student leader Devendra Nath Mahto on Saturday.
Saturday marks the 15th day of the student protest in Ranchi. 6 students are on a hunger strike.
Ranchi administration has installed cameras at the protest site.
MLA says government knows who is responsible
Jairam Mahto, who is observing a one-day hunger strike, said, “As a Member of the Legislative Assembly, I feel that my participation and this hunger strike can create at least 1% additional pressure. There should be a CBI investigation into this matter.”
He further said, “I believe the government knows very well who is responsible. This is not a minor issue. Seats are allegedly being sold for lakhs of rupees. It is impossible for a minor official or an ordinary person to handle such a large amount of money alone. Powerful people are involved, and there is a fear that they may be exposed from behind the scenes.”
Doctors say hunger strikers have lost weight
A medical team from Ranchi Sadar Hospital, led by Dr AP Sinha, examined the health of JPSC-JSSC candidates sitting on an indefinite hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium.
Dr AP Sinha said the students had been advised to be admitted to hospital, but they had so far refused to go. “Therefore, we provided the necessary treatment to them at the protest site itself,” he said.
