Student leader’s health worsens during hunger strike over Jharkhand recruitment scam
Ranchi: The health of student leader Devendra Nath Mahto deteriorated on Sunday during his indefinite hunger strike against irregularities in recruitment examinations for Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
According to Kashmir Media Service, Mahto, who has been on fast for around a week at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Stadium, saw his condition worsen around 3 a.m. Doctors recorded his blood glucose level at 53. The protest by students demanding cancellation and reforms in the 14th JPSC and JSSC-CGL exams entered its 16th day on Sunday.
The Hemant Soren government, which held discussions with the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch on Friday and four rounds of talks with other student groups on Saturday, announced a sixth round of talks with student representatives at 12 p.m. on Sunday.
The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch termed the move “political manoeuvring” and alleged the government was trying to create divisions among protesting students. “All students are united. The government should address our core demands instead of diverting attention,” said Manch leader Ravindra Paswan.Meanwhile, AISA leaders joined the protest site on Saturday and extended support to the August 10 march, saying they share the same demands.
