**Ranchi:** Thousands of students marched towards the Jharkhand Assembly in Ranchi on Monday, protesting over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations. Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on a hunger strike for nine days, also joined the protest despite his weakened physical condition.

The demonstration began near the old Assembly premises, from where students moved towards the new Assembly building. Police had placed multiple barricades along the route to restrict the protesters’ movement.

As the march progressed, protesters crossed several barricades and later gathered near Shaheed Maidan. The situation became tense at some points as police personnel attempted to stop the crowd from moving ahead. There were also instances of pushing and shoving between protesters and security personnel.

Volunteers from student organisations remained present during the demonstration and attempted to maintain order and prevent the situation from escalating.

## Devendra Nath Mahto Reaches March in an Ambulance

The participation of Devendra Nath Mahto became one of the key moments of Monday’s protest. Mahto has been fasting for nine days in support of the students’ demands.

According to the protesters, Mahto had also avoided water during the first four days of his hunger strike. Despite his physical condition, he decided to participate in the Assembly march.

Mahto was initially able to walk a short distance from the stage while carrying a photograph of Shibu Soren. He was subsequently taken to an ambulance. After travelling some distance in the ambulance, protesters carried him forward on a stretcher.

His presence encouraged the demonstrators, who raised slogans in his support during the march.

## Mahto Appeals to Students to Maintain Discipline

While speaking to the media during the protest, Mahto expressed concern over the extensive barricading and barbed-wire arrangements put in place by the authorities.

He said that he was physically weak after nine days of fasting and urged students to remain calm and disciplined. Mahto also appealed to the government to avoid a situation that could result in injuries or violence during the protest.

He questioned why the administration had not yet agreed to the students’ demands and thanked students and members of the media for highlighting their concerns.

Mahto also referred to Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s birthday and appealed to the authorities to ensure that the situation remained peaceful. He said he did not want the protest to turn violent or result in injuries to students.

## Students Protest Over JPSC and JSSC Examination Issues

The Assembly march was organised by students protesting against alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC examination processes.

A large number of students participated in the demonstration and attempted to move towards the Assembly. After crossing several police barricades, the protesters stopped near Shaheed Maidan.

Student volunteers worked to control the gathering and repeatedly appealed to participants to maintain discipline. The demonstration highlighted the continuing concerns among students regarding examination-related issues and their demand for action from the state government.

## Abhijit Deepke’s Earlier Hunger Strike Draws Comparison

Mahto’s participation in the Ranchi march also brought back discussion about an earlier protest led by Abhijit Deepke in Delhi.

During a Parliament march held on March 20 as part of a protest at Jantar Mantar, Deepke remained on a truck instead of joining the march on foot. His decision was subsequently criticised by some people.

In a later interview, Deepke explained that he had already been fasting for three days and had become dizzy. He said other members advised him to remain on the truck so that he could continue guiding the protesters.

Deepke also said that if he had not been fasting at the time, he would have joined the march on the ground.

## Ranchi Assembly March Highlights Growing Student Anger

Monday’s protest in Ranchi once again brought student concerns over JPSC and JSSC examinations into focus. The participation of Mahto, who has been on hunger strike for nine days, became a significant feature of the demonstration.

The protesters continued to demand action from the state government while student volunteers appealed for discipline and restraint. The administration now faces the challenge of addressing the students’ concerns while preventing further escalation during future demonstrations.

The Ranchi Assembly march marks another major mobilisation by students seeking action over issues related to the state’s competitive examination system.