Ranchi, August 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto on Sunday called for meaningful engagement with young people, saying dialogue with the youth should lead to concrete solutions rather than remain confined to political discussions.
Mahto, who has led protests over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand, said a fresh agitation seeking reforms in the state’s recruitment system would begin on Monday.
The earlier protest was called off after the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led government cancelled the 11th and 13th Jharkhand Public Service Commission examinations and appointments made through them. The Jharkhand High Court subsequently stayed the government’s decision.
Speaking to IANS, Mahto said the new protest would begin from Nemra village in Ramgarh district, the paternal village of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren.
“Our only goal is justice. We need some strong steps. We are now not going to stop at assurances and dialogue,” he said.
Reacting to the BJP’s initiative to form a committee for outreach to Gen Z, Mahto welcomed the move but stressed that young people were seeking action on issues such as unemployment and examination irregularities.
“Dialogue is welcome, but it should not remain limited to political discussions. It should reach a decision and should not merely prove to be a slogan,” he said, adding that youth wanted assurances that their future would not be compromised.
Mahto said young people participating in protests in both BJP-ruled and non-BJP-ruled states were not acting at the direction of political parties.
“Today’s youth are not with any political party, or in favour of or against anyone. Today’s youth are struggling only for their future and to reform this rotten system,” he said.
On FIRs registered against 14 identified students and others, Mahto described the action as a “dictatorial attitude” of the state government. However, he said protesters were aware that challenging the system could lead to legal and administrative action.
He said the movement would continue despite the possibility of FIRs, arrests, police action and other difficulties, stressing that the protesters had faith in the judiciary and the Constitution.
Referring to freedom fighters and social reformers including Birsa Munda, Bhagat Singh, Subhas Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar, Mahto said the government and administration should perform their duties according to law while protesters continued their struggle through constitutional means.
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