Injured JPSC-JSSC Protest Leader Vows Fight for Justice Will Continue
Key Points:
- Devendra Nath Mahto’s fast enters 10th day at Ranchi’s Sadar Hospital
- Student leader writes open letter after alleged police lathicharge
- Mahto demands fair probe into force used during assembly gherao
RANCHI – Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto has written an open letter from his hospital bed, declaring that his fight for justice will not stop despite his hospitalization. Mahto has emerged as one of the most prominent faces of a student agitation against alleged corruption in JPSC and JSSC recruitment processes.
The protest has continued for 18 days across Jharkhand. Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike, is currently being treated at Ranchi’s Sadar Hospital under close administrative supervision.
Large numbers of supporters and well-wishers have been visiting the hospital throughout the day to see him. However, the administration has been restricting access, citing security and medical concerns.
His body has grown considerably weak because of the prolonged fast. Doctors are currently conducting necessary medical tests, and further treatment decisions will be made once all reports are received.
Mahto’s hunger strike, part of the “JPSC-JSSC Corruption-Free Recruitment Campaign,” entered its 10th day at the hospital on Wednesday. He was admitted after police allegedly used a lathicharge and pushed protesters during a gherao of the state assembly on the ninth day of his fast.
He was taken to the hospital by ambulance that evening. Despite being under medical observation, Mahto has resolved to continue his indefinite fast from within the hospital itself.
In his open letter, titled “Struggle and Resolve,” Mahto strongly condemned the police action. He said using force against students and protesters raising their voice through democratic means was unfortunate and condemnable.
He has demanded that the Jharkhand government order an impartial investigation into the police action during the assembly gherao. Mahto said that anyone found responsible for unnecessary use of force should face appropriate action.
“My body is under treatment in the hospital, but my struggle and resolve for justice remain unshaken,” he said. Meanwhile, he stated clearly that his hunger strike would continue until students of Jharkhand received complete justice.
He also appealed to fellow students and young people to maintain restraint, unity and a peaceful democratic struggle. Mahto said the fight was not against any individual but for the rights of Jharkhand’s students to justice, dignity, transparency and a fair recruitment system.
Besides that, he added that a lathicharge and use of force could not suppress the voice of students. He said the movement would continue peacefully within the bounds of the Constitution and democracy.
The JPSC and JSSC have faced repeated allegations of irregularities in recruitment examinations in recent years. In addition, student bodies across the state have previously staged protests demanding transparency in JPSC exam centres and hiring processes.
