Ranchi witnessed a fresh escalation in the ongoing student agitation over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations on Monday, as Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto joined protesters marching towards the state Assembly.
Mahto has been on a hunger strike for nine days demanding action over the examination-related issues. Despite his prolonged fast and significant weight loss, he decided to participate in the march after seeing hundreds of students and supporters join the protest.
His participation came with a clear appeal for restraint. As the march coincided with Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s 51st birthday, Mahto urged protesters to maintain peace and avoid any confrontation.
Mahto Warns Protesters Against Violence
Addressing reporters in Ranchi, Mahto appealed to the students not to resort to violence, referring to clashes witnessed during a recent protest in Delhi.
He questioned why the state government had not accepted the students’ remaining demands despite several rounds of discussions.”Why does the government want anarchy? Why isn’t the government accepting the demands of students. I would like to thank the students for participating in the protest. I would also like to thank the media. However, I urge everyone to remain peaceful,” he said.
Mahto also appealed to protesters to ensure that the demonstration did not turn violent.”I don’t want students to do anything like the Jantar Mantar… It is Hemant Soren’s birthday. We should not promote anarchy. Blood should not be shed.”
He further warned that continued failure to address the students’ demands could deepen the democratic crisis.”If the government fails to accept the students’ demand, then it would be considered a murder of democracy. Despite everything, I have joined the protest today. I am just a voice of the students,” he added.
10.5 Kg Weight Loss During Hunger Strike
Mahto said his nine-day hunger strike had resulted in a weight loss of around 10.5 kg. He described himself as an ordinary person and said he could not remain away from the protest after witnessing the large turnout.
The JLKM leader thanked the students and media personnel for supporting the agitation while reiterating that the movement should remain peaceful.
Government And Students Remain Divided
The Jharkhand government and protesting students have held multiple rounds of talks, but the dispute remains unresolved.
While the government has claimed that around 98% of the students’ demands have been accepted, the protesters maintain that their core demands remain pending. According to the students, only three of the 13 examinations they want cancelled have actually been scrapped.
The protesters are also demanding an independent investigation into alleged irregularities. They have called for either a CBI probe or an inquiry by a panel of retired High Court judges from outside Jharkhand.
Security Tightened Around Assembly
The students’ decision to march towards the Assembly came despite prohibitory orders being imposed in the surrounding area. Security arrangements were also strengthened as the demonstration coincided with Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s birthday.
With negotiations failing to resolve the dispute, Monday’s march has added fresh pressure on the Jharkhand government, while protesters continue to demand action over the recruitment examination controversy.
