Kurmi Community Protests Halt Train Services in Hazaribagh

Massive Rail Blockade by Kurmi Community

On Saturday, the Kurmi community in Hazaribagh district initiated a significant "Rail Roko" protest at the Charhi railway station, effectively halting all train operations from 8 AM. Led by Mandu MLA Tiwari Mahato, thousands of men, women, and youth occupied the tracks, causing water to accumulate in the station area and stopping all train movements. This demonstration left passengers astonished, with many trains unexpectedly halted, leading to growing frustration as travelers were stranded for hours.

 

Railway officials have issued a high alert and deployed additional personnel to manage the crisis, while local authorities have stationed heavy security forces to monitor the situation closely. The protesters, undeterred by the police presence, chanted slogans highlighting the alleged neglect faced by their community over the years. Their primary demands include the inclusion of the Kurmi community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list and the official recognition of the Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

 

Members of the community emphasized that they have endured discrimination for decades; raising their voices is now a necessity rather than an option. One member stated, "We have completed our education, but what have we achieved? Nothing. We haven't secured good jobs, and we want to ensure a better future for our children. The benefits available to Scheduled Tribes (ST) through quotas are not accessible to Other Backward Classes (OBC), which is why we are demanding ST status for our community."

 

During the gathering, MLA Tiwari Mahato vowed to continue the protest until concrete assurances are provided by the state and central governments. He declared that while this is a peaceful demonstration, it could escalate if their legitimate demands are ignored. This blockade is part of a broader wave of similar movements planned by Kurmi organizations across Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha starting September 20, posing a significant challenge for authorities. Previous attempts to secure ST status through legislative channels have been repeatedly dismissed, prompting renewed calls for action.