After 13 Days, Hemant Soren Govt Opens Talks As Jharkhand Students Refuse To Back Down

After 13 days of sustained protests, the Hemant Soren government has constituted a four-member ministerial panel to hold talks with agitating students over alleged recruitment irregularities. The government is also deliberating on cancelling the examination results, while more than 18 accused have reportedly been arrested in connection with the case. Protesters, however, insist that any talks must be held directly with Chief Minister Hemant Soren, in public and in the presence of the media. Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto has continued his hunger strike, while Sonam Wangchuk has urged dialogue. The issue has also triggered a political war.