Devendra Nath Mahato, student leader and Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) member on Tuesday ended his indefinite hunger strike on Tuesday after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk appealed to him over the phone to prioritise his health while continuing the protest against irregularities in state-level recruitment examinations.

Mahato, who had resorted to an indefinite fast at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in the state capital, Ranchi, agreed to drink water following Wangchuk’s request. A video of the conversation between the two has been making rounds online, drawing widespread attention in the thick of the ongoing agitation over alleged irregularities in recruitment exams in Jharkhand. 

“Protest began with Satyagraha”: Mahato tells Wangchuk

During the call, Mahato informed Wangchuk that the protest had begun with a Satyagraha on July 25, 2026 and that he had begun his indefinite hunger strike on August 2. He added his health had deteriorated tremendously and doctors had warned that he may need to be hospitalised if he continued refusing to drink water.

Shedding light on the long-standing concerns surrounding recruitment exams, Mahato said alleged paper leaks had plagued the state for as many as 26 years and underscored that the agitation was aimed at securing justice for thousands of job seekers. 

“Please drink water”: Wangchuk urges Mahato

In response to Mahato’s account, Wangchuk pleaded with him not to endanger his life for the cause. He said,” Please drink some water; this is tantamount to suicide,” adding that democratic movements often require patience and perseverance. 

He expressed hope that the state government would eventually understand the concerns being raised by the protestors and take an appropriate decision. 

Recruitment protest gains steam in Ranchi

The protest over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations has continued to gather steam in Ranchi, with five more people, including two women, launching an indefinite hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium on Tuesday night.

With the addition of the five protesters under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, the number of individuals on an indefinite fast has risen to six. On the other hand, Mahato entered the fourth day of his hunger strike on Wednesday before ending it following Wangchuk's intervention.

For the past 10 days, protestors have been voicing demands for the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination, along with sweeping reforms in both the JPSC and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).

Calls being raised for fair probe into exam irregularities

The agitators are also seeking a fair probe into the alleged examination irregularities by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or an independent panel comprising retired High Court (HC) judges from outside Jharkhand.

JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch spokesperson Jivan Kumar said five protesters, including two women, had joined the indefinite hunger strike to intensify pressure on the government.

He added that the organisation's core committee would soon meet to decide on organising a 'Tiranga March' in support of the students' demands.