Nagpur, 12 August (H.S)The sit-down agitation launched by Vidarbha Rajya Andolan Samiti (VRAS) at Chandika Mandir, Shahid Chowk, Itwari, to press the demands for formation of separate State of Vidarbha took a different turn on the third day today. The agitating supporters tonsured their heads and paid tributes to the government for allegedly scutting the demand. They include eight women workers who cut their hair.
Wamanrao Chatap, President of the samiti, Ram Newale, Chief Convener, Ranjana Mamarde, President of Women?s Front, and Mukesh Masurkar led the workers. Activists from different parts of Vidarbha participated. The police had arrested leaders and workers and forcibly dumped them in police vehicles on Tuesday. After their release, they re-assembled at the venue. Nine youths tonsured their heads and eight women cut their hair in support of the demands.
Addressing the gathering, Newle said that the Samiti has been agitating for separate Vidarbha for the last eight years. Various leaders, including those from BJP, had assured to fulfil the demand but they miserably failed to do so. The issue is still pending even after carving out three other separate states. Criticising the government for being inactive in Vidarbha case, the workers tonsured their heads.
Newle pointed out that the Chief Minister and Power Minister of Maharashtra had assured to waive off 30 per cent electricity bill amount but they did nothing in the matter. This is also one of the demands of the activists.
Workers from 11 districts of Vidarbha have come here to participate in the agitation. The workers will continue the stir till Independence Day and then the executive committee will decide future line of action. Representatives from different classes, viz., social, businessmen and other organisations have extended active support to the agitation.
