Pune, Aug 26 (PTI) Maharashtra Tribal Development Minister Ashik Uike on Wednesday night said that his meeting with students protesting at Pune’s tribal hostel ended on a “positive note” and assured that most of their demands will be accepted.
The protest will, however, continue till a written assurance is received from the government, a students’ representative said.
The meeting between the minister and representatives of the protesting students lasted more than five hours till 10.30 pm.
“A meeting with the students and their representatives concluded on a positive note. We had a conversation and dialogue with each other. Several demands put forth by the students will be fulfilled. We have demanded two days as there are certain things to be discussed,” the minister told reporters.
Representatives of students said the minister has agreed to accept 14 demands.
“However, we will continue the protest till we get a concrete answer in writing from the government. Many things were discussed positively, but we need a GR (Government Resolution) for the same,” he said.
A day earlier, the government removed the 30-year age limit for admission to tribal hostels in the wake of the ongoing agitation.
A group of tribal students from colleges have been protesting at the hostel for the last 13 days for various demands concerning hostel facilities, admission rules and other issues, and tensions had risen after the health of one of the protesters deteriorated.
The six students participating in the hunger strike also continued their strike in the Adivasi Government Boys’ Hostel located in the Manjari area here.
Several political leaders visited the site of the protest on Wednesday.
MNS Vidyarthi Sena’s Amit Thackeray spoke with students over the phone and extended his support. PTI COR NSK
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