The Kurmi community in Jharkhand has launched a statewide ‘Rail Roko Andolan’ from Saturday to press its long-standing demand for recognition as a Scheduled Tribe (ST).
Acting on a call by the Adivasi Kurmi Samaj Manch, protesters gathered in large numbers at several railway stations from early morning, squatting on the tracks and halting train operations.
At Ranchi railway station, dozens of agitators carrying flags occupied the tracks, while heavy gatherings were also reported near Muri station.
Similar blockades were seen in Bokaro, Ranchi, and Giridih, where protesters took control of smaller railway stations, in some places as early as 4:00 AM.
Despite barricading efforts by the police in Kurmi-dominated areas through Friday night, the protests went ahead largely unhindered.
Several trains were cancelled or rescheduled due to the agitation. Train No. 13504 Hatia–Burdwan MEMU Express and Train No. 18036 Hatia–Kharagpur MEMU were cancelled.
Also Read : Bombay HC orders Jarange to get Mumbai roads cleared by Tuesday
Train No. 13351 Dhanbad–Alappuzha Express, scheduled to depart at 11:35 AM, will now leave Dhanbad at 6:35 PM. Train No. 18613 Ranchi–Chopan Express will run via Ranchi–Tori instead of its usual Ranchi–Muri–Barkakana route.
JLKM chief and MLA Jairam Mahato extended his support to the movement, stating in a video message that the agitation was also linked to issues such as recognition of the Kurmali language and protection of land rights.
The Kurmi community’s push for ST status has intensified in recent years. The first major protest began in 2022 and continued for nine days.
In 2023, another stir started on the same date and lasted over a week. The agitation was not held in 2024 due to the general and assembly elections, but the demand reached Delhi’s Jantar Mantar earlier this year.
With political parties refraining from openly supporting or opposing the demand, the issue remains highly sensitive. Meanwhile, additional security forces have been deployed across railway stations to prevent any untoward incidents.
Follow us
