Mumbai, October 5 (Daily Kiran) : A significant protest by tribal students has reached Mumbai, marking a pivotal moment in their ongoing struggle that began 48 days ago in Nasik’s Eidgah Maidan. The demonstration, led by student leader Sagar Pawara, has escalated tensions with local authorities, who are accused of hindering their efforts by denying permits and making arrests.
Pawara, who recently ended a 13-day hunger strike, expressed frustration over the lack of support for the students. He detailed efforts to obtain permission for their protests, stating he spent hours at a police station without receiving any written confirmation. With inadequate housing for the arriving students, they sought assistance from Congress activists, who provided shelter and food.
Due to financial constraints, Pawara explained, they decided to stay at Tilak Bhavan in Mumbai. However, police intervened, detaining three female students and attempting to arrest over 500 others at various locations, including bus stands and railway stations. Pawara emphasized that their fight is centered on securing their fundamental educational rights as guaranteed by the Constitution.
He also called for accountability regarding the deaths of several students over the past two years, demanding the resignation of the tribal development minister and the suspension of responsible officials. Criticizing the centralized kitchen system that allegedly provides inedible food to students, he urged for its closure.
Additionally, Pawara raised concerns about the scholarship process, revealing that students are being pressured to pay donations ranging from ₹1 to ₹1.5 lakh to receive their documents. He accused colleges of threatening students with withholding important paperwork if they do not comply with these demands.
The protest continues to draw attention to the plight of tribal students in Maharashtra, as they seek justice and better conditions for their education.
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