J'khand protest: Govt to hold fresh talks as fasting student leader's health worsens

The Jharkhand government announced plans to hold a sixth round of talks with protesting exam aspirants on Sunday, amid the ongoing 16-day hunger strike by student leader Devendra Nath Mahto. Mahto's condition worsened at Ranchi's Jaipal Singh Stadium around 3 am Sunday, with doctors recording his blood glucose level at 53. Discussions between the government and student groups Friday and Saturday failed to break the deadlock.

The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, which has been leading the protest, criticized the government for trying to divide the students and divert attention from their demands. The government, however, maintains the discussions were held in a positive atmosphere and are examining the concerns raised. The government panel will meet student representatives at noon on Sunday, though protesters have vowed to continue the agitation and march to the Jharkhand Assembly on August 10 if demands are not met.