The indefinite hunger strike by a Dhangar activist, demanding the inclusion of the community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, entered its ninth day

The activist, Dipak Borhade, told reporters that the “fast unto death” will not be withdrawn until the state government accepts all his demands

“If the government fails to take a decision by September 24, then it will have to face the consequences. This is our final fight,” he added

Manoj Jarange Patil extends support at Azad Maidan to Deepak Borhade on Day 9 of hunger strike demanding ST status for the Dhangar community

"We remember the protests held last year by the Maratha community," the court said, adding that they sought permission for one day, but did not leave for six days. The protestors overstayed and "ruined the city"

Manoj Jarange Patil began a hunger strike on August 29; called it off on September 3 after talks and court intervention

Traffic disrupted on Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway as fishermen, Adivasis, workers join protest against Vadhavan Port in Palghar

Deepak Borhade had said that the community has been fighting for reservation for the past twelve years

Borhade also mentioned that on January 21, when he was preparing to travel to Mumbai for a similar protest, he was stopped by the police in Jalna. This time, he urged the authorities not to put any pressure or restrictions on the protest

Supporters gather at Azad Maidan on Day 9 of Deepak Borhade’s hunger strike, backing the demand for ST reservation for the Dhangar community.