Nashik Tribal Students End Hunger Strike After Talks With Collector, Sit-In Protest Continues (Video)

Demonstrating tribal students in Nashik have formally called off their multi-day hunger strike following constructive discussions with District Collector Ayush Prasad. However, the student representatives confirmed that their ongoing sit-in agitation will continue until all core administrative and policy demands are addressed by the state administration.

Breakthrough in Talks with Administration

The decision to end the fast came after high-level deliberations between student representatives, District Collector Ayush Prasad, and senior administrative officials. The district leadership assured the demonstrators that the Tribal Development Department and state authorities are actively resolving their grievances, with several key points receiving preliminary approval. Nashik Tribal Students Call off Hunger Strike After Talks with District Collector.

Speaking on the resolution, District Collector Prasad highlighted that the state government maintains a constructive approach toward the issues raised by the students. He added that ongoing communication with senior ministers aims to resolve all outstanding operational matters quickly so that students can resume their academic pursuits without disruption.

Core Demands and Background of Agitation

The protest movement, which saw participation from tribal student bodies across Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik, initially began on August 13 over revised hostel admission policies. Over time, the scope of the protest expanded to address broader structural issues affecting tribal welfare and educational infrastructure across Maharashtra. Manoj Jarange Refuses To End Hunger Strike, Seeks Kunbi Certificates for Eligible Marathas.

Tribal Students Call Off Fasting in Nashik

The primary demands submitted by the students include:

• Immediate improvements to basic infrastructure, safety, and living conditions in government tribal hostels and residential schools (ashram shaalas).

• Financial compensation and accountability for the families of three tribal girls who tragically died from snakebites at a government school facility in Gadchiroli.

• Strict enforcement of recruitment under the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) and expedited filling of vacant government posts reserved for tribal candidates.

• Streamlined verification of caste validity certificates to prevent misuse of reserved positions. 

Next Steps for the Sit-In Agitation

While the suspension of the hunger strike brings relief to local authorities concerned over the health of the fasting students, the demonstration site remains active. Student leaders emphasized that while they appreciate the administration's willingness to engage in dialogue, the sit-in protest will remain in place until written timelines and binding notifications are formally issued for every agreed-upon demand.

Further talks between student delegates and the Tribal Development Department are scheduled to take place in the coming days.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2026 10:24 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).