Ranchi, August 18: Amid a 24-day-long student protest in Jharkhand, Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s government has agreed to one of the protesters’ main demands. The government has decided to cancel the JSSC-CGL exam scheduled for 2024. Additionally, all competitive exams conducted by the TDPCL agency in the state have been annulled. This decision came after a special cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Soren, which lasted approximately four and a half hours.
Meanwhile, Habiba, a student on a hunger strike in Ranchi, has been admitted to the ICU due to deteriorating health. From the hospital, she made an emotional appeal to Chief Minister Soren, requesting a dialogue. She mentioned that it is the 14th day of her hunger strike, and her health has been declining due to the prolonged fasting.
During the conversation, Habiba clarified that she did not participate in a recent effigy-burning event and has no intention of joining such activities. Congress representatives are attempting to mediate on behalf of the students. Rahul Gandhi has also urged the Chief Minister to address the students’ concerns.
Habiba asserted that the Chief Minister had previously made positive gestures, and the student delegation has met with him twice. Now, the Chief Minister has invited the delegation for further discussions. She felt that burning effigies at this time was inappropriate, as she believes in the government and trusts the Chief Minister. Habiba expressed that if students had lost hope in the government, they would not have been sitting in protest for so long.
She emphasized that the Chief Minister is rooted in Jharkhand and is known for advocating the interests of the tribal and indigenous communities. The protesting students are also from these communities, and they expect the Chief Minister to address their legitimate demands. Habiba likened the students’ efforts to children pleading with their parents for understanding.
As the protest enters its 24th day and her hunger strike reaches its 14th, Habiba’s health has worsened, necessitating hospitalization. Despite this, she remains eager to speak with the Chief Minister. She stated that she has no desire to fast or remain hungry for such an extended period. The students felt compelled to take this drastic step when they believed their voices were not being taken seriously.
Habiba directly appealed to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, stating that she is also a daughter of the state and wishes to present her concerns as a hunger striker. She believes that the issues and alleged irregularities affecting students may not be fully known to the Chief Minister. Therefore, she wants to communicate her perspective directly. The government is reportedly serious about the matter and is making ongoing efforts to facilitate discussions.
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