Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto drank water following a video call with activist Sonam Wangchuk to modify his indefinite hunger strike [1].
This shift in protest tactics highlights the influence of high-profile activists on regional movements fighting against government administrative failures. The demonstration centers on demands for transparency in the state's competitive examination systems.
Mahto began his indefinite hunger strike on July 25, 2024 [1]. He later moved his protest to the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on Aug. 2, 2024 [1]. After three days of fasting at the stadium, Mahto consumed water following the request of Wangchuk [3].
The protest targets alleged irregularities and paper leaks within the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). These agencies oversee the competitive examinations required for state employment.
While some reports indicate the hunger strike has ended, other sources state the protest continues in a modified form [2, 4]. Mahto said that he would maintain a restricted diet to keep the pressure on the administration.
"I will only consume water and salt till the government listens to the protesters," Mahto said [2].
Wangchuk's intervention was described as a request for the student leader to preserve his health while continuing the cause. He urged Mahto to drink water and end the complete fast [1].
“"I will only consume water and salt till the government listens to the protesters."”
The transition from a complete fast to a water-and-salt diet allows the protest to sustain itself over a longer period without risking the immediate death of the leader. By aligning with Sonam Wangchuk, a recognized figure in non-violent resistance, Mahto gains national visibility for the specific grievances regarding the JPSC and JSSC, shifting the issue from a local administrative dispute to a broader conversation on academic integrity in India.
