Climate activist and education reformist Sonam Wangchuk extended his formal support to student protesters in Jharkhand who are agitating over alleged paper leaks and recruitment irregularities in state competitive examinations.
The Federal
Key Highlights of the Movement
Background: Protesting job aspirants under banners like the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JKLM) and JPSC/JSSC Reforms Manch have been on a continuous sit-in since late July 2026 at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. They are demanding a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Civil Services Preliminary exam and various JSSC recruitment tests.
Hindustan Times
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The Phone Call & Intervention: Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato went on an indefinite hunger strike on August 2, giving up both food and water. Sonam Wangchuk called Mahato to appeal to him to at least consume water and salt, emphasizing that “the goal is to awaken the soul of the government, not to commit suicide”.
The Federal
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Terms of Support: Following Wangchuk’s intervention, Mahato agreed to take fluids on the condition that Wangchuk commits sustained, long-term support to the Jharkhand students' agitation (similar to his involvement in national student causes) via regular video calls and potential physical participation. Wangchuk accepted and pledged to stay connected until the issue reaches a fair conclusion.
ANI News
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Government Response & Current Status
Government Action: Chief Minister Hemant Soren stated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the Crime Investigation Department (CID) are actively looking into the matter and that appropriate action will be taken based on their report.
Hindustan Times
Escalation: Additional student representatives have joined the fast as demands grow for canceling the affected preliminary exams and handing the investigation over to the CBI or an independent panel.
