Ranchi, Jharkhand: Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato ended his 16-day hunger strike on Monday night after the Jharkhand government announced the cancelation of the JSSC-CGL examination and all exams conducted by TDPL, along with a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the recruitment process.
Mahato ended his fast at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi in the presence of state ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Irfan Ansari. According to the government, the decision came after weeks of protest by students demanding action on alleged paper leaks and recruitment irregularities.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren said on Monday night that the government would cancel the JSSC-CGL and other recruitment examinations and initiate a CBI investigation into the matter. He added that the state Cabinet would take a formal decision on the issue.
Minister Irfan Ansari said Mahato broke his fast by drinking juice in the presence of the ministers. He also said that three protesters, including Mahato, Rahul Kranti, and Umme Habiba, underwent medical checks and were found to be stable, with normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
The protest, which has continued for 23 days, had put the state government under pressure to act on complaints of irregularities in recruitment examinations. The cancellation of the JSSC-CGL and TDPL exams has met one of the main demands of the agitation.
Mahato Calls It a Victory for Students
After the announcement, Mahato described the government's decision as a major win for students and said the protest had achieved its purpose.
He said the movement had shown that peaceful collective action can bring results and argued that the decision would give hope to students affected by irregularities in the recruitment system. He also said the protest would continue until broader reforms are introduced to prevent paper leaks and unfair recruitment practices in the future.
Opposition Supports CBI Probe
The BJP, which is in the Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, supported the demand for a CBI inquiry. Former Chief Minister and Opposition leader Babulal Marandi said the government should not hesitate if it is confident that the recruitment process was fair. He also urged the state to consider the remaining demands of the students.
Marandi warned that if the government failed to act, more students could join the protests. He extended support to the planned August 20 demonstration.
Sonam Wangchuk Speaks to Protesters
Activist Sonam Wangchuk also spoke to Mahato and other protesting students through a video call after the government’s announcement. He congratulated the students and said he was relieved by the government's decision, while also expressing concern about Mahato's health.
Wangchuk thanked Chief Minister Hemant Soren and said he hoped the government and citizens would work together to resolve the remaining issues in the recruitment system.
Students Demand Wider Reforms
Although the cancellation of the exams has resolved one major demand, protesters say their movement will continue until deeper reforms are introduced. They want strict action against paper leaks, recruitment scams, and political interference in appointments.
Student leader Umme Habiba, who also ended her hunger strike, called for the withdrawal of cases against protesting students and demanded protection for the right to peaceful protest. She also sought action on pending police and CID cases linked to the agitation.
The protest has become one of the most significant student movements in Jharkhand in recent months, with protesters saying they will continue pressing for a transparent and fair recruitment system.
