Kathmandu— A hunger strike led by Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto entered its eleventh day on Wednesday, as students continue to protest alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). Despite being hospitalized following a march towards the state Assembly on August 10th, Mahto has continued his demonstration, while student leaders at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium have warned of escalating protests if their demands for investigation and reform are not met. The situation remains tense after police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters Monday, with students alleging excessive force was used against them and members of the media.

Protest Leaders Demand Investigation

Student leader Ravindra Paswan stated that approximately 50,000 students participated in the recent march in Ranchi, despite what he described as attempts by police to prevent participation from various districts. He thanked the students for their support and emphasized the importance of fighting for their rights. Paswan alleged a shift in police behavior after 5 pm on August 10th, claiming officers used batons to disperse the crowd. “We had great support from the Police administration, but we saw this cooperation only until 5 pm,” he said. He questioned whether pressure from the government influenced the police’s actions and raised concerns about the lack of female law enforcement personnel at the scene.

Allegations of Excessive Force

Piyush Kumar, another student leader, accused the Jharkhand administration of using force against both students and media representatives. He condemned the alleged lathicharge and stated that further action would be announced soon if their demands are not addressed. Kumar emphasized that protesters remain open to dialogue with the state government but insisted that any talks must not be accompanied by violence. “We are ready for talks even now, but it doesn't mean that there should be a barbaric lathicharge on students,” he said.

Administration Seeks Protester Identification

Administrators have reportedly requested details of the protesters’ core committee to verify their identities, a request which protest leaders say they are cooperating with. Ravindra Paswan explained that authorities want to confirm all participants are genuinely students. “Administration feels they should find out whether all of us really are students,” he said. Paswan added that protesters have no reason to fear providing their information, stating, “We are students, not terrorists or militants.”

Threat of Escalation

Leaders warned the government that if demands aren’t met, the student protest could evolve into a larger ‘mass movement.’ Ravindra Paswan directly appealed to the Chief Minister to resolve the situation quickly. “If our demands are not met, it would transform from a students' protest to a mass movement,” he said, adding that parents were becoming increasingly agitated and urging restraint.

The students continue to demand cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities, and comprehensive reforms in the recruitment process, with ongoing negotiations between protesters and administrative officials.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.