WB 'Kurmi movement' started again, traffic stalled in Jangalmahal

Traffic came to a standstill in Bankura and Jhargram on Wednesday morning due to a 12-hour strike called by the Ghaghar Ghera Committee of the Kurmi community demanding recognition as a Scheduled Tribe.

In various areas including Bikrampur, Khatra, Sarenga of Simlapal block of Bankura, people of Kurmi community took to the streets in support of the bandh. They blocked the Bankura-Jhargram state highway in Bikrampur area and the Bankura-Ranibandh road in Khatra area.

Shops and markets are completely closed since Wednesday morning in Raipur, Ranibandh, Saranga, Simlapal and Khatra blocks of Bankura. Buses and other passenger vehicles have also been stopped. As a result, the passengers are facing trouble. However, there is not much effect in Bankura Sadar subdivision and Bishnupur subdivision. Traffic is normal in both those subdivision areas. Shops and markets are also open.

Two weeks ago, the Kurmi community called for 'Rail Teka, Dohar Chhenka' (Stop the Rail and Stop the Road) program in Purulia's Kustaur and West Midnapore's Khemashuli, demanding the Kurmis to be listed as a Scheduled Tribe and the Kurmali language banned. There was a demand to give constitutional recognition.

Due to this program, the movement of trains of Adra and Kharagpur branches of South Eastern Railway was disrupted for five consecutive days. Traffic was also affected due to the closure of many roads. The common people of Bankura, Purulia, Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram districts had to suffer a lot.

After five days, the blockade was called off with the assurance of talks with the government, but the agitators said that if their demands were not met soon, they would agitate again. Despite repeated discussions with the Kurmi leadership, the Ghaghar Ghera Committee of Kurmis again organized 'Hurka Jam' in Jangalmahal districts on Wednesday after the state government did not take steps to include the community in the Scheduled Tribes.

Many other social organizations supported this movement from outside.The bandh has had a massive impact on Jhargram. Police force has been deployed at different places to avoid any untoward incident in Jhargram.