Pune tribal students’ hunger stir continues on ninth day; two hospitalised
Tribal students in Pune, India, are on their ninth day of an indefinite hunger strike to protest new government hostel regulations. The students are demanding the withdrawal of age and employment restrictions, as well as improved safety and recruitment policies for tribal communities.
Why it matters
The protest highlights ongoing tensions regarding tribal welfare, student rights, and government accountability in India's education and social sectors.
Two tribal students were hospitalised as an indefinite hunger strike by students at the Government Tribal Hostel in the Manjari area of Maharashtra’s Pune district continued on its ninth day on Friday (August 21, 2026).
Five students are currently on hunger strike to draw the government’s attention to issues concerning the tribal community. Vijay Bhanbdle, 22, and Rahul Dhanwe, 24, were admitted to Sassoon Hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties and dehydration and are currently undergoing treatment, protester Navnath More said.
The other protesters on hunger strike are Nikita Metkar, 22, Shweta Girnak, 26, and Sharad Thokal.
The students are demanding the withdrawal of the government resolution issued on August 5, which imposes age restrictions and conditions relating to academic breaks that they consider unreasonable.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in