Jharkhand student leader Devendra Mahto ends hunger strike after Sonam Wangchuk's call

Hunger strike enters critical phase

Devendra Mahto, a student leader spearheading protests against alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations, has ended his hunger strike. The development came after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk spoke to him over the phone and urged him to call off the fast.

In a video that has since gone viral, Mahto is seen drinking water during the call, a symbolic end to his protest. Wangchuk, known for his own battles against environmental and social issues, reportedly told Mahto that his health was more important than the stir. The two-minute conversation has been widely shared, with many praising the intervention.

Protest swells in Ranchi

Even as Mahto relented, the protest in Ranchi showed no signs of weakening. Five more students joined the fast on Wednesday, taking the total number of hunger strikers to six. The demonstrators are demanding action against those responsible for alleged paper leaks and other irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC exams, which have left thousands of aspirants in limbo.

The students have been camping at a protest site in the state capital, braving the monsoon weather. Their demands include a re-examination and a transparent probe into the recruitment process. Officials have not yet commented on the specifics of the allegations, but the agitation has drawn attention from across the country.

Government reaches out

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has made an overture to the protesters, saying the government's doors are open for dialogue. In a statement, Soren appealed to the students to come to the table, asserting that their concerns would be addressed. This marks a shift in tone from the earlier standoff, where police had used water cannons to disperse crowds.

The chief minister's outreach has been met with cautious optimism. Protest organisers said they are willing to talk but want concrete assurances, not just promises. The state government has not yet announced a formal meeting date, leaving the situation fluid.

New faces of youth unrest

The Jharkhand stir has also brought fresh faces to the forefront of India's student protest movements. Devendra Nath Mahto and Abhijeet Dipke are among the young leaders who have emerged as symbols of a new wave of activism, driven by unemployment and exam irregularities. Their methods, including hunger strikes and social media campaigns, have resonated with a generation frustrated by systemic delays.

These leaders are not affiliated with any major political party, which has made their appeal broader. Analysts say the protests reflect a deeper discontent with the recruitment process, which has seen multiple postponements and allegations of corruption across states. The movement has inspired similar agitations in other parts of the country, though none have matched the intensity in Ranchi.

What lies ahead

With the hunger strike called off, the onus is now on the state government to follow through on Soren's outreach. Students have said they will continue their sit-in until a written commitment is made. The coming days will reveal whether the dialogue yields results or the protests reignite.

For Mahto, the decision to drink water has been framed by supporters as a victory for reason over rigidity. But the underlying issues—exam fairness and job security—remain unresolved, and the young protesters are in no mood to back down quietly.