RANCHI: Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto on Monday entered the 15th day of his hunger strike over alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), saying he hoped the fresh round of talks with the state government would yield a positive outcome.Mahto, who has been on hunger strike since August 2, said the struggle would continue if the government failed to meet the students’ expectations.“There is hope and faith. But if the government fails to live up to it, the struggle will continue. I hope the talks satisfy the students,” he said.The students are scheduled to meet a government delegation at the State Guest House in Ranchi at 2pm on Monday. The government has also allowed students to bring their legal adviser for the discussions.Mahto said the talks should result in permanent reforms to the education and examination system so that future generations do not face paper leaks, malpractices and other alleged irregularities.The student leader also said the proposed protests on August 20, including a gherao of chief minister Hemant Soren’s residence and the Vidhan Sabha, would go ahead if the talks failed to produce a satisfactory outcome.Speaking about his health, Mahto said his blood pressure had remained low and he experienced a heavy feeling in his head, though he felt better after getting some sleep.(With inputs from ANI)
