Ranchi — Train services across Jharkhand were thrown into chaos on Saturday after thousands from the Kurmi community blocked railway tracks at more than 15 locations, demanding Scheduled Tribe status.
The stir crippled traffic on the Howrah-New Delhi main corridor, with several trains canceled, diverted, or delayed.
Demonstrations were reported from Rai, Muri, Tatisilwai, Mesra, Giridih, Jamtara, Dhanbad, Bokaro, and Chakradharpur. Clashes took place at Pradhankhunta station in Dhanbad when police attempted to clear the tracks.
Protesters, many in traditional attire and beating drums, gathered at stations from as early as 4 a.m. The Kurmi groups had declared their intention to disrupt services at 100 stations across Jharkhand, Bengal, and Odisha.
Rail operations were hit hard. The Hatia-Bardhaman MEMU and Hatia-Kharagpur MEMU were canceled, the Dhanbad-Alappuzha Express was rescheduled to evening hours, and the Ranchi-Chhapra Express was rerouted.
Heavy disruption was reported at Parasnath, Chandrapura, and Rai. Organisers described the stir as a “historic protest” backed by extensive grassroots campaigns.
Security has been intensified with RPF, GRP, local police, CCTV coverage, and drone surveillance. Officials warned stern action against damage to railway property.
Political support has also surfaced. AJSU MLA Jairam Mahato extended backing, stating the fight was about tribal recognition, Kurmali language rights, and protection of land. Giridih MP Chandra Prakash Choudhary joined the protest at Hesalong in Ramgarh district.
With inputs from IANS