J’khand exam protest enters 16th day; students accuse govt of offering ’empty promises’Student protests in Ranchi over alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Civil Services Preliminary Examination entered their 16th day after a second round of government talks failed to reach agreement. Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato has been on a hunger strike since August 2, and his health condition has been deteriorating since late Saturday night. He has clearly stated that his hunger strike and the broader student protest will continue until a concrete solution is found to the issues raised by the aspirants. Speaking to IANS, he said, “Police officers and the administration were attempting to remove the students from the protest site at night. Speaking to IANS, Nayak said, “This is my sixth day on hunger strike.