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🇮🇳 India /Health & Science

Police Stop Hunger-Striking Student Leader from Independence Day March in Jharkhand; He Protests from Hospital

From Hindustan Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto was allegedly prevented by police from participating in an Independence Day Tiranga Yatra in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
  • Mahto, who is on a hunger strike, protested from his hospital bed, questioning the freedom to participate in national events.
  • His protest occurred as the Jharkhand Chief Minister assured job aspirants that their hard work would be protected from corruption and irregularities.

Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto was reportedly stopped by police from joining a Tiranga Yatra, a Tricolor March, organized for Independence Day in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Mahto, a leader of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM), is currently admitted to Sadar Hospital and is on a hunger strike. He expressed his desire to participate in the flag hoisting and march but was allegedly forced back into his hospital room by officers, with a heavy police presence noted outside.

What kind of freedom is this, after all? Are we not even free to hoist the Tricolor and participate in the Tricolor March in our own country?

— Devendra Nath MahtoMahto's questioning of the restrictions placed on his participation in the Independence Day march.

Mahto questioned the state of freedom in the country, asking if citizens were not even free to hoist the national flag and participate in related marches. He shared videos on social media platform X, depicting him being pushed by police as he attempted to leave his hospital room, wearing a tricolor scarf and bandana. He stated that despite his hunger strike, he remained firm in advocating for people's rights and that their voices could not be silenced by such actions.

Despite being hungry for several days, I stand firm for my rights and the voice of the people. They cannot silence our voice by stopping us in this manner.

— Devendra Nath MahtoMahto's assertion of his commitment to his cause despite police opposition and his hunger strike.

In one video, Mahto is seen lying on the hospital floor, supported by companions, after police allegedly pushed him to prevent him from leaving. He vowed to continue his protest from the hospital floor until allowed to leave, refusing treatment and emphasizing his fight for justice and the rights of the people. This incident occurred while Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren addressed the state, promising job aspirants that their efforts would be safeguarded against paper leaks, corruption, and irregularities, with significant employment opportunities to be created.

Until I'm allowed to leave from here, I'll keep sitting right here. I won't even get my treatment done, and I'll stay here to make my point. My fight is for the rights of the people and for justice. They can't silence my voice by stopping me.

— Devendra Nath MahtoMahto's declaration of his continued protest from the hospital floor.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hindustan Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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