The student-led protest against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand entered its 13th day on Thursday, with six demonstrators now on an indefinite hunger strike. The agitation centres on allegations of irregularities in the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination, the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examination and other recruitment tests. Protesters are demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry and comprehensive reforms in the state's recruitment agencies.

Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto has been on a hunger strike for the past five days and is now joined by five other protesters, including two women. Social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had earlier undertaken a prolonged hunger strike over the NEET paper leak issue, spoke to Mahto over the phone and urged him to at least consume water to safeguard his health while continuing the protest.

The movement, which began on July 25 under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, has grown into one of the largest student-led protests witnessed in Jharkhand in recent years. The agitation also gained political attention on Thursday as opposition MLAs staged a demonstration on the Assembly premises during the opening day of the Monsoon Session, expressing support for the students' demands.

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One of the hunger strikers, Sabita Kumari, alleged that the state government had ignored the concerns of aspirants, leaving them with no option but to intensify their agitation. Meanwhile, student organisations have announced plans to stage protests near the Assembly on August 7 and August 10. In response, the district administration has imposed prohibitory orders within a 750-metre radius of the Assembly complex from August 6 to August 12 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. to maintain law and order.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday described question paper leaks as a nationwide problem and offered to hold discussions with the protesting students to resolve the impasse. According to officials, 19 people have been arrested so far in connection with the alleged examination irregularities, including five arrests made on Wednesday. Former JPSC chairman L. Khiangte has also been questioned multiple times as investigators continue their probe into the allegations.

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