Sonam Wangchuk Advises Fasting Candidate to Drink Water as Jharkhand Exam Protests Intensify

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has urged Devendra Nath Mahto, a protestor on a hunger strike against alleged recruitment examination irregularities in Jharkhand, to drink water due to declining health parameters. Mahto, a member of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha, consumed water on the fourth day of his fast following the advice. Meanwhile, five additional protestors joined the hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, bringing the total number of fasting individuals to six as agitation intensifies ahead of the Assembly’s Monsoon Session.

What Happened

The hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium saw five members under the JPSC, JSSC Reforms Manch banner begin an indefinite hunger strike on Tuesday night. The group includes two women, Sabita Kumari and Habiba, who stated that they felt forced to take extreme measures because the government has not fulfilled their demands. Devendra Nath Mahto had already been fasting at the venue for four days before Sonam Wangchuk reached out to him. Wangchuk, who recently completed a 26-day fast in Delhi concerning the NEET paper leak issue, advised Mahto to consume water after learning that his blood pressure and blood sugar levels were dropping.

Since July 25, protesting factions have been demanding structural reforms in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). They are calling for the cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination and an inquiry into alleged irregularities by either the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or an independent panel of retired high court judges from outside the state.

Key Highlights

• Activist Sonam Wangchuk advised hunger striker Devendra Nath Mahto to drink water on his fourth day of fasting due to health concerns.
• Five new protestors under the JPSC, JSSC Reforms Manch banner joined the hunger strike, taking the total count of fasting individuals at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to six.
• Protestors are demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC exam and structural reforms within the JPSC and JSSC.
• Demands have been raised for an investigation by the CBI or an independent panel of retired high court judges from outside the state.
• Jharkhand Police’s CID has arrested 14 individuals, questioned former JPSC chairman L Khiangte four times since July 28, and raided 18 locations across Ranchi, Palamu, Hazaribagh, Bokaro, and Dhanbad.
• The JPSC previously postponed the Combined Civil Services Mains Examination scheduled for July 25 to 27 citing unavoidable circumstances amid mounting protests.
• Political voices across parties, including Opposition Leader Babulal Marandi and senior Congress leader Ajoy Kumar, have called for cancellation of exam results and independent probes.
• Chief Minister Hemant Soren stated the government is serious about the concerns raised and will announce decisions at an appropriate time.

Why This Matters

The intensifying protests highlight public scrutiny surrounding civil service recruitment examinations conducted by state commissions in Jharkhand. The involvement of political leaders from both opposition and coalition parties underscores the significance of the issue ahead of the Legislative Assembly’s Monsoon Session. Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi accused the state CID of attempting to cover up matters and called for a CBI probe, while senior Congress leader Ajoy Kumar urged the coalition government to dismiss JPSC officials, cancel recent results, and institute a sitting high court judge-led inquiry. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have expanded their probe, conducting raids across multiple districts including Ranchi, Palamu, Hazaribagh, Bokaro, and Dhanbad.

What to Watch Next

JPSC, JSSC Reforms Manch spokesperson Jivan Kumar stated that a core committee meeting will be held shortly to decide on taking out a ‘Tiranga March’ in support of students’ demands. Observers are also awaiting formal decision announcements from Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who stated that decisions addressing the protestors’ demands and queries will be announced at an appropriate time following close scrutiny.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Devendra Nath Mahto consume water on the fourth day of his fast?

Devendra Nath Mahto drank water following advice from activist Sonam Wangchuk, who urged him to take water as his blood sugar and blood pressure levels were dropping.

What are the key demands of the protesting candidates in Jharkhand?

Protestors are demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination, reforms in both JPSC and JSSC, and an inquiry into exam irregularities by the CBI or an independent panel of retired high court judges from outside the state.

What actions have police and officials taken regarding the alleged irregularities?

The Jharkhand Police CID has arrested 14 people, questioned former JPSC chairman L Khiangte four times, and raided 18 locations across five districts. Furthermore, JPSC postponed the Combined Civil Services Mains Examination originally scheduled for July 25 to 27.

Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.