Jharkhand protest: Round 7 of talks with Govt on day 16 of hunger strike today - what's the latest?

On Monday, the 24th day of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) aspirants' protest in Ranchi entered a new phase. The protesting students continued their hunger strike, with four individuals still refusing food. The Jharkhand government had invited these students for a fresh round of talks on Monday, marking the 7th such round of discussions.

The protesters had vowed to gherao (surround) the chief minister's residence on August 20, demanding his resignation. This decision came after a meeting between the sub-divisional officer and additional district magistrate, law and order, and the protesting students. The government had offered the students the option to participate in the talks accompanied by their legal advisors.

Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on a 16-day hunger strike, called for permanent reforms in the education system to prevent future generations from facing similar hardships. Earlier on Sunday, the situation was described as extremely critical, with the government calling for talks to address the students' demands for reforms.