Mumbai, August 18: In a significant development, student leader Devendra Nath Mahato ended his 16-day hunger strike after a meeting with Jharkhand government ministers Deepika Pandey Singh and Irfan Ansari at Ranchi Sadar Hospital. The ministers provided him with juice, marking the conclusion of his protest against the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and other tests organized by the TDPPL agency. Following the meeting, Mahato returned home, and fellow protesters Habiba and Rahul also ended their hunger strikes.
Speaking to the media after breaking his fast, Mahato stated, “Today, on the 16th day of our hunger strike, we have respectfully concluded our protest. The joint efforts of Health Minister Irfan Ansari, Minister Deepika Pandey, and our legislator Jairam Mahato have led us to this decision. All the demands for which we protested constitutionally and peacefully have been met.”
Protester Habiba praised the government, saying, “Our government has proven that it cares for the interests of tribals, indigenous people, and the community. Today, we realized this. They have shown that if Hemant is there, then there is courage.”
The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Forum welcomed the decision to cancel the examinations, expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister and the Jharkhand government for making this historic and bold decision in favor of students.
Health Minister Irfan Ansari remarked that Mahato, Habiba, and Rahul voluntarily decided to end their hunger strike, and they were provided juice to conclude their fast. He credited the decision to Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Hemant Soren, stating, “This was a historic decision by the Chief Minister. Rahul Gandhi guided us and wrote a letter, after which the government accepted the youth’s demands. We are very grateful to Rahul Gandhi for his efforts, which led to this historic decision.”
He further noted, “The demand to cancel the CGL examination was quite challenging, and typically, no government would agree to such a request. However, Chief Minister Hemant Soren displayed great generosity.”
Minister Deepika Pandey Singh emphasized that a significant movement had begun among students in Jharkhand, primarily demanding reforms. She assured that the government has always been sensitive to this issue and that the Chief Minister was closely monitoring the students’ movement.
Pandey also mentioned that Rahul Gandhi has consistently advocated for students’ interests, leading to the government’s major decision to cancel the examinations in respect of their sentiments.
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