Ranchi, Aug 11 (IANS) Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for the past 10 days against alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations, on Tuesday issued a handwritten message from Ranchi’s Sadar Hospital, reaffirming his commitment to the movement.
Currently undergoing treatment at the hospital, Mahto said his fast-unto-death would continue despite his deteriorating health condition.
He asserted that while his body may grow weak, his determination to secure justice and expose alleged irregularities in the recruitment process remains unwavering.
In his message, Mahto said that the ‘JPSC-JSSC Corruption-Free Recruitment Campaign’, launched on July 5, has been continuously raising its voice against alleged corruption and irregularities in recruitment examinations.
He also thanked students, teachers, parents, media personnel, and other supporters for their contribution to making the Assembly gherao programme on August 10 a success.
The student leader demanded an impartial probe into the police action during the Assembly gherao. Alleging excessive use of force, he claimed that the police had taken him in an ambulance to a location where nearly 100 students had gathered peacefully.
According to him, police personnel suddenly resorted to pushing protesters and later carried out a lathicharge without issuing any prior warning. He was subsequently brought to Sadar Hospital and admitted for treatment.
Mahto asked why he and other students were taken to the site if the authorities intended to use force against the demonstrators. He said the students deserve an explanation for the incident.
Describing the police action as unfortunate and condemnable, Mahto said he and several other students were targeted while exercising their democratic right to protest.
He urged the state government to conduct a fair investigation into the incident and take appropriate action against those responsible for the alleged use of force during a peaceful demonstration.
Mahto further asserted that lathicharges and coercive measures cannot silence the voice of students.
Emphasising that the movement is rooted in constitutional and democratic principles, he appealed to students and young people participating in the campaign to continue their struggle peacefully and democratically.
–IANS
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