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Key Points

The Kurmi Samaj's rail blockade protest in West Bengal largely failed due to strong police and judicial intervention. High Court directions and strategic deployment of police personnel prevented significant disruptions across tribal-dominated districts. Despite the community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status, the agitation made minimal impact on public life. The state's proactive approach effectively neutralized the potential for widespread transportation blockades.

Key Points: Kurmi Samaj Rail Protest Fails in West Bengal Crackdown

  • Calcutta High Court terms Kurmi Samaj rail blockade as illegal
  • Police deployed to prevent disruptions in tribal regions
  • Only 21 trains affected despite widespread protest call
  • Kurmi community demands Scheduled Tribe status across three states
2 min read

Kurmi Samaj agitation makes little impact in Bengal

High Court backs state action as Kurmi Samaj's ST status agitation falls flat with minimal disruption across West Bengal

"There is no blockade anywhere. Public life is normal everywhere. - Abhijit Bandyopadhyay, Purulia District SP"

Kolkata, Sep 20

The impact of the agitation by Adivasi Kurmi Samaj was minimal in West Bengal even as about 21 trains were diverted, short-terminated or cancelled in the state.

The state police administration took a strong stand in view of the Calcutta High Court's verdict which had termed the agitation as 'illegal and unconstitutional'.

Adequate police personnel and Railway Protection Force (RPF) were deployed at various stations, prevent any kind of road and rail blockade.

Purulia District Superintendent of Police Abhijit Bandyopadhyay said, "There is no blockade anywhere. Public life is normal everywhere."

Naka checking is going on at Bandwan-Jharkhand border, Barabazar-Jharkhand border and Chawkbazar in Jharkhand.

On Thursday, a division bench of the Calcutta High Court, upheld its previous order of 2023, and directed the Indian Railways authorities as well as the West Bengal government to take appropriate action so that the rail blockade movement on September 20 by the people from the Kurmi community does not affect normal life in the state on that day.

Last month, Adivasi Kurmi Samaj, the largest association of the Kurmi Community, gave a call for a rail blockade simultaneously in the tribal dominated pockets in the three states of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha, demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the community.

On Thursday, the division bench of Justice Paul and Justice Das De observed that the Calcutta High Court directions in September 2023 should be followed by the Railways authorities and the state government this time to control the proposed rail blockade on September 20.

After the High Court's verdict, Purulia District Superintendent of Police Abhijit Bandyopadhyay held several press conferences and said that unconstitutional agitation cannot take place.

On Saturday morning, traffic movement was normal in Purulia district with policemen appealing to the people to maintain normal life. The situation was normal in neighbouring West Midnapore, Bankura and Jhargram districts.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from Purulia, I can confirm everything was normal here today. Police presence was strong but not intimidating. Glad the High Court took a firm stand against illegal blockades.
R
Rajesh Q
While I understand the Kurmi community's demand for ST status, disrupting rail services affects thousands of innocent passengers. The government should address their genuine concerns through proper channels instead of forcing protests.
S
Sarah B
Impressive how West Bengal police handled this situation. The coordinated effort with RPF shows proper planning. Hope other states learn from this approach to maintain law and order during protests.
N
Nikhil C
The tribal communities deserve proper representation, but violence and blockades are not the answer. The government should initiate dialogue and consider their demands seriously. Peaceful protests yield better results.
M
Meera T
Thank goodness the trains weren't affected much. My brother was traveling to Kolkata for medical treatment today. Disrupting essential services hurts the most vulnerable people. 🙏

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