---
title: "Sonam Wangchuk Intervenes as Jharkhand Recruitment Protests Escalate to Hunger Strike"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/sonam-wangchuk-intervenes-jharkhand-jpsc-hunger-strike-protests-hn6xk
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: India
published: 2026-08-05T09:50:19.000Z
modified: 2026-08-05T12:01:49.756Z
language: en-IN
---

# Sonam Wangchuk Intervenes as Jharkhand Recruitment Protests Escalate to Hunger Strike

Activist Sonam Wangchuk urged local protesters to consume water as their health declined during a multi-day fast over state recruitment scandals. The demonstration at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium has expanded to six hunger strikers demanding a CBI inquiry into exam irregularities.

## Key takeaways

- Sonam Wangchuk successfully urged hunger striker Devendra Nath Mahto to drink water after his vital signs dropped on day four of his fast.
- Six protesters are now on strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium demanding independent judicial oversight of state recruitment exams.
- The Jharkhand CID has arrested 14 people and raided 18 locations in an ongoing investigation into civil service exam irregularities.
- Opposition leaders and coalition members alike are calling for the cancellation of the 14th JPSC exam and the dismissal of commission officials.

## Background

The movement for recruitment reform in Jharkhand gained momentum on August 4, 2026, when five members of the JPSC, JSSC Reforms Manch launched an indefinite hunger strike. This group joined Devendra Nath Mahto, a member of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha who had already been fasting for four days. The protest centers on alleged systemic failures within the state’s public service and staff selection commissions.

## Health Concerns and Interventions

Renowned activist Sonam Wangchuk, who recently completed a 26-day fast regarding the NEET paper leak, contacted Mahto on Wednesday to express concern over his deteriorating physical state. With Mahto's blood pressure and sugar levels falling, Wangchuk successfully persuaded him to resume water intake. Despite this medical precaution, the six activists remain stationed at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, maintaining their refusal of food.

## Key Facts

- Six protesters, including two women, are currently on hunger strike ahead of the state's Monsoon Session.
- Demonstrators demand the cancellation of the 14th JPSC exam and a probe led by the CBI or a panel of retired high court judges from outside Jharkhand.
- The Jharkhand Police CID has already arrested 14 individuals and interrogated the former JPSC chairman four times since late July.
- Law enforcement officials conducted raids at 18 different locations, spanning Ranchi, Palamu, Hazaribagh, Bokaro, and Dhanbad.
- The JPSC previously delayed the Combined Civil Services Mains Examination originally set for late July, citing unavoidable circumstances.

## Why It Matters

The unrest signals a deep fracture in trust between job aspirants and the state recruitment bodies. While Chief Minister Hemant Soren states that his administration is analyzing the demands with seriousness, opposition leader Babulal Marandi has accused the current CID investigation of being a tool for obfuscation. Even within the ruling coalition, senior Congress leader Ajoy Kumar has called for the dismissal of JPSC officials and a probe headed by a sitting high court judge, highlighting the political gravity of the allegations.

## What Happens Next

Protesters are planning a core committee meeting to organize a 'Tiranga March' to further amplify their grievances. As the Monsoon Session approaches, the government faces increasing pressure to move beyond verbal assurances. The JPSC, JSSC Reforms Manch spokesperson Jivan Kumar indicated that the group remains committed to action, noting that the Chief Minister's promises of sensitivity must be met with tangible justice and systemic reform.

Source: The Hindu — National

---
Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/sonam-wangchuk-intervenes-jharkhand-jpsc-hunger-strike-protests-hn6xk
Reported from: The Hindu — National