Sonam Wangchuk backs Jharkhand students’ protest, urges leader to end hunger strike

Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk has voiced his support for students protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand, India. Wangchuk spoke with Devendra Nath Mahto, a leader of the Jharkhand Krantikari Loktantrik Morcha, who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike over the issue.

Wangchuk appealed to Mahto to prioritize his health, urging him to at least consume water and salt while continuing his protest. "You have taken a big step by keeping your life at stake, but water and salt should be taken. Our purpose is to awaken the government's conscience, not to commit suicide," Wangchuk said during a phone call.

The students have been staging a sit-in protest at Ranchi's Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium since July 29. They are demanding that central agencies investigate alleged irregularities in recruitment exams conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). They also seek the cancellation of all examinations administered by TDPL, a private agency currently under scrutiny for alleged malpractices.

Mahto, who began his hunger strike on August 2, agreed to consume water and salt following Wangchuk's appeal but vowed to continue his protest. Wangchuk, known for his advocacy for administrative accountability, pledged to visit Ranchi to support the local youth. Meanwhile, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren stated that the government is awaiting an investigation report from the Crime Investigation Department (CID) and will act upon its findings.

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You have taken a big step by keeping your life at stake, but water and salt should be taken. Our purpose is to awaken the government's conscience, not to commit suicide.