Kurmi movement disrupts transport; 64 trains canceled from Howrah for 3rd day

A series of protests by Kurmi organizations in West Bengal's Jangalmahal area has led to the cancellation of at least 64 express and passenger trains on Friday.

The protesters are demanding recognition as a Scheduled Tribe, recognition of Sarna religion, and the inclusion of Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Both long distance and local commuters are facing difficulties due to the protests.

On Friday, Ajit Mahto joined the blockade of Kudmi Samaj in Khemashuli. The blockade of National Highway No. 6, including the railway, is being carried out at Khemashuli under Kharagpur local police station of Paschim Medinipur district. Addressing the media, Mahto expressed disappointment with the government's response to their demands, stating that despite previous assurances, they were not listened to. He demanded that the state government take immediate action and threatened to launch a bigger agitation if their demands are not met soon.

The protests have affected train services in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Bengal. A blockade program called 'Ghaghar Ghera' has been launched in Jangalmahal since April 1, demanding that the state government's CRI (Cultural Research Institute) report be sent to the central government. State President of Kurmi Samaj West Bengal Sangathan Rajesh Mahto has stated that from April 1, the Jhargram, West Midnapore, and Jangalmahal regions of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha states, Bankura, and Purulia of West Bengal will be called 'Ghaghar'.

There will be a program of continuous movement called 'Ghera'. As a result of the protests, more than 225 trains have been canceled since April 5 at Kustaur station of Adra-Chandil section of Adra division and Khemasuli station of Kharagpur-Tatanagar section of Kharagpur division.