'What kind of freedom is this?': Mahto stopped from attending Tiranga Yatra

Devendra Nath Mahto, a Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader, faced an unusual obstacle on Saturday as he attempted to join a Tiranga Yatra at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, the epicenter of protests against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). The stadium, already a hub of dissent, saw numerous protesters challenging perceived injustices.

Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 14 days since August 2, expressed his desire to participate in the flag-hoisting march. However, his wish was met with a heavy police deployment outside his Sadar Hospital room. In a poignant post on X, Mahto questioned the extent of freedom in India, asking, "What kind of freedom is this? Are we not even free to hoist the Tricolour and participate in the Tricolour March in our own country?"

Despite the challenging situation, Mahto reiterated his commitment to joining the program peacefully. Meanwhile, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren assured the public that the state government was working towards transparency in examinations, especially those administered by the JPSC and JSSC. Soren addressed the nation, emphasizing the importance of youth and promising to bring about changes in the system through transparency and improved education.

However, Mahto cautioned against attempts to derail the student movement, warning that external elements were attempting to disrupt the protests. He urged participants to maintain unity and prevent the movement from breaking apart. Student leader Ravinder Paswan echoed similar sentiments, calling for students to focus on celebrating the country's freedom without demanding concessions from the government on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day.