Pune Tribal Students' Hunger Strike Enters Day 15

The hunger strike by tribal students in Pune's Manjari area has entered its 15th day, with several students reporting a decline in health. The students have been protesting to demand the continuation of a 2011 government resolution regarding their hostels.

A delegation of students met with Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike for discussions that lasted around six to seven hours. However, the talks failed to reach a conclusion, and the students refused to end their protest despite Uike's request to suspend the hunger strike for two days.

The students are demanding a written order from the government accepting their demands. They have stated that they will not eat until they receive this written order.

Tensions at the protest site increased after Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Narhari Zirwal allegedly told the protesting students to continue their agitation while 'eating and drinking.' His remarks sparked anger among the students, who confronted him at the protest site.

Zirwal's comment was seen as insensitive and dismissive of the students' struggle. The students told him that their protest was serious and involved their health and lives. They also objected to what they saw as his casual approach to their struggle.

The protest has gained attention from other politicians, including NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, who stated that around 2,000 to 4,000 tribal students in every district are protesting to demand the continuation of the 2011 government resolution.

The students' demands are centered around the continuation of the 2011 government resolution, which they believe is essential for their education and well-being. The government has yet to provide a written order accepting their demands, and the students remain resolute in their protest.

The situation remains tense, with the students' health declining and the government yet to provide a solution. The protest has highlighted the struggles faced by tribal students in Maharashtra and the need for the government to address their concerns.

The outcome of the protest remains uncertain, but the students' determination to continue their hunger strike until their demands are met is clear. The government will need to provide a written order accepting their demands to bring an end to the protest and address the concerns of the tribal students.