Overview
- The Hemant Soren administration held several rounds of talks over the weekend and scheduled another meeting for 12 pm on Sunday, but student leaders said the sessions did not resolve their core demand to cancel the 14th JPSC preliminary exam.
- Protesters are seeking an independent investigation by the CBI or a panel of retired high‑court judges and want disclosure of OMR/response sheets, publication of category‑wise cut‑offs, and a fixed recruitment calendar for JPSC and JSSC exams.
- Devendra Nath Mahto, a prominent leader on an indefinite hunger strike, has seen his health deteriorate with doctors warning of low blood sugar and blood pressure and advising hospital care.
- Investigations into the alleged irregularities continue: authorities have arrested 19 people so far and former JPSC chairman L. Khiangte has been questioned repeatedly by investigators.
- Multiple student bodies across the political spectrum have joined or shown solidarity and organisers have announced a march to the Assembly on August 10 if demands are unmet, a move that could prolong disruption to recruitments and heighten political pressure on the state government.