Kathmandu— On Wednesday, activist Sonam Wangchuk spoke with student leader Devendra Nath Mahato, who is on an indefinite hunger strike in Ranchi over alleged irregularities in the JPSC, JSSC CGL, and other competitive examinations. Wangchuk urged Mahato to consume water and salt for health reasons but assured continued support for the students' protest.

Health Concerns Prompt Appeal

Mahato began his hunger strike on August 2nd after a prolonged Satyagraha since July 25th. He stated, 'I was extremely exhausted—it was a critical time… Papers have been leaking here for 26 years…' Yesterday, the doctor warned that if he did not take water, he would need to be hospitalized. Wangchuk appealed to Mahato to call off the strike, saying, 'Please take some water; this is tantamount to suicide… You need some time, but it could be 2-3 weeks as well, and I hope that the government will understand and make the right decision.'

Conditions for Continued Support

Mahato agreed to take water under a condition. He said, 'Sonam Wangchuk sir has accepted this condition, that until the students of Jharkhand get justice, until this protest is successful, Sonam Wangchuk sir will stay with us, always stay in touch, and also be on video calls.' This agreement came after Mahato had refused similar requests from others. He added, 'From today onwards, I will consume water and salt, but I will not consume food until the Jharkhand government listens to our demands.'

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.