Sonam Wangchuk speaks to student leader on hunger strike in Jharkhand, urges him to end fast

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has intervened in the ongoing protest by student leader Devendra Nath Mahato, who is on an indefinite hunger strike in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Mahato is protesting alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the JPSC and JSSC CGL. Wangchuk's engagement with Mahato, who has been on Satyagraha since July 25 and began his hunger strike on August 2, marks a significant development in the students' movement.

“

We have been on Satyagraha since July 25th; I sat on the indefinite hunger strike on August 2nd. I was extremely exhausted--it was a critical time... Papers have been leaking here for 26 years... Yesterday, the doctor warned that if I didn't take water, I would have to be admitted to the hospital...

Mahato, visibly exhausted and warned by doctors about his health, cited 26 years of alleged paper leaks as the reason for the protest. He explained that while many had previously urged him to break his fast, he only agreed to consume water and salt after Wangchuk's personal appeal and assurance of sustained support. Wangchuk expressed concern over Mahato's health, describing the hunger strike as "tantamount to suicide" and urging him to take water, suggesting that a resolution might take weeks.

“

Please take some water; this is tantamount to suicide... You need some time, but it could be 2-3 weeks as well, and I hope that the government will understand and make the right decision.

Wangchuk's involvement has visibly boosted student morale. Mahato stated that Wangchuk's support has strengthened their resolve to pressure the government. He emphasized that Wangchuk's commitment to stay in touch, offer video call support, and remain involved until the students' demands are met was the condition under which he accepted water and salt. However, Mahato reiterated his commitment to abstain from food until the Jharkhand government addresses their grievances.

“

Sonam Wangchuk sir, by supporting our movement, has increased our morale. He has increased it so much that now we will definitely make the government back down.

Mahato's hunger strike began at Ranchi's Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, a site of ongoing student protests. The students' demands stem from alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. Wangchuk's intervention brings national attention to the regional protest, with Mahato drawing a parallel between Wangchuk's past activism and the current struggle for justice for Jharkhand students.

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The condition is that, just as you physically participated in the students' protest at Jantar Mantar and made the movement of students across India successful while on a hunger strike, in the same way, for justice for all the students of Jharkhand, we will expect the same support from you until this movement is successful. And we should get your support. Sonam Wangchuk sir has accepted this condition, that until the students of Jharkhand get justice, until this protest is successful, Sonam Wangchuk sir will stay with us, always stay in touch, and also be on video calls. And from today onwards, I will consume water and salt, but I will not consume food until the Jharkhand government listens to our demands.