The Jharkhand government has agreed to hold another round of talks with student groups protesting over examinations, after a series of meetings late Friday and throughout Saturday failed to break the deadlock. The health of a student leader who is on a fast has deteriorated, prompting urgency.
The decision for further negotiations came after meetings on the night of August 7 and during the day on August 8, neither of which produced a breakthrough. The upcoming talks will be the sixth round between the government and the students.
In a show of support, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has backed the protests, saying that students' interests are paramount. The protests, centred on examination-related issues, have drawn attention as student leaders continue their fast.