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

NEW DELHI – Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto has broken his indefinite hunger strike, consuming water on Wednesday, the fourth day of his fast. Mahto made the decision following an appeal from climate activist Sonam Wangchuk during a video call. Despite taking water, Mahto clarified that the hunger strike and the satyagraha would persist until the government addresses the students' demands.

The protests began on July 25, marking the start of the wider satyagraha, while Mahto himself initiated the indefinite hunger strike on August 2. Wangchuk expressed his support for the movement, offering guidance, encouragement, and a pledge of continued backing. He also urged Mahto to consume water, cautioning that the strike amounted to suicide.

Mahto stated that he had fasted without water for four days, his condition deteriorating significantly. He accepted the water condition, provided Wangchuk continued to support the cause. The students' primary demands include the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination, a CBI probe into alleged malpractice in recruitment tests, and the public release of OMR sheets and answer scripts.