Dhangar Community Suspends Mumbai Protest, Pins Hopes on Bombay High Court Hearing
In a significant development, the Dhangar community has called off its protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, deciding to await the outcome of a crucial hearing at the Bombay High Court scheduled for January 28. This move comes after days of agitation centered on their persistent demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, a long-standing issue that has seen political promises and legal battles unfold over the years.
Protest Withdrawn Following Police Discussions and Court Order
Dhangar leader Deepak Borhade announced the withdrawal of the agitation on Tuesday, addressing a gathering of supporters at Azad Maidan. Borhade stated that after consultations with Mumbai police authorities, the community has decided to postpone further protests until after the High Court hearing. He appealed to Dhangar members across regions to refrain from traveling to Mumbai for now, emphasizing that their fight is far from over. "Our struggle continues, and we will announce the next date of agitation once the court proceedings are concluded," Borhade declared, rallying his supporters for a sustained legal and social campaign.
Background of the Agitation and Police Response
The protest, which saw around 2,000 people from the Dhangar community converge at Azad Maidan, was organized without official permission, leading to legal repercussions. Mumbai police deployed over 600 personnel and 60 officials to manage the crowd, and a case has been registered against Borhade and other organizers under Section 223 of the BNS along with relevant sections of the Mumbai Police Act, according to Police Inspector Dyaneshwar Avhad of Azad Maidan police station.
Participants primarily hailed from the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions, with many arriving by train and others via vehicles. The demonstration took place between 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM, highlighting the community's organized efforts to bring their grievances to the forefront in the state capital.
Historical Context and Political Promises
The Dhangar community's quest for ST status spans decades, marked by unfulfilled assurances from political leaders. In 2014, then-Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis pledged to grant ST status to the Dhangar community in the first cabinet meeting after assuming power, a promise that remains unrealized to this day. This historical backdrop adds weight to the current agitation, as community leaders like Borhade have escalated their efforts through fasting and public protests, including a recent fast in late December and the planned Mumbai demonstration on January 21.
Legal Battle and Future Plans
With the Bombay High Court setting the hearing for January 28, Borhade and his supporters are now focusing on the judicial route to achieve their goal. Borhade, who hails from Jalna district in Marathwada, has vowed to continue the fight legally, even as he faces potential arrest and hospitalization. "I will not back down. I plan to visit every village in the coming days to mobilize support, and we will return with greater numbers for future protests," he asserted, underscoring the community's determination to secure ST status through all available means.
This suspension of protests represents a strategic pause, allowing the Dhangar community to leverage the court system while keeping the pressure on authorities through planned future actions. The outcome of the High Court hearing is eagerly awaited, as it could set a precedent for similar demands across India.
