225+ trains canceled by SE Railway due to Kurmi community's protest in Bengal

In West Bengal's Purulia and Medinipur areas of Jangal Mahal, the Kudmi community's movement has been ongoing for the past 96 hours. The movement has resulted in the disruption of rail and transport services, causing immense inconvenience to passengers.

The South Eastern Railway has canceled more than 225 local and express trains due to the ongoing protests.

The Kurmi Samaj has demanded the inclusion of their caste in the Scheduled Tribe category, among several other demands. The blockade program, called 'Ghaghar Ghera,' began on April 1, and the community has warned that they will continue the movement indefinitely if their demands are not met. The protesters have blocked national highways and railways, causing the cancellation of long-distance trains, including Bhubaneswar-Delhi Rajdhani Express, Lokmanya Tilak, and Shalimar, to name a few.

The Kurmi community's movement has intensified despite the state government's assurances to meet their demands. The protesters have also called for the recognition of Sarna as a religion and the inclusion of Kurmali language in the eighth schedule of the constitution.

The ongoing movement has caused significant financial losses for the railways, and the blockade has led to the fear of a complete standstill in the Jangal Mahal area. The social organizations of the Kudmi society have warned of further intensifying the movement if their demands are not met.

Passengers are facing severe difficulties due to the disruption of rail and transport services. The ongoing protests have impacted the lives of people in the affected areas. The state government is yet to take significant steps to resolve the issue and end the ongoing protests.