Trains cancelled as Kurmi tribe protest demanding inclusion in ST list continue

Several trains have been cancelled due to protests launched by the Kurmi tribe demanding their inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list.

Train services on the South Eastern Railways have been gravely affected as the Adivasi Kurmi Samaj continue their protest blocking railway tracks. Their protest demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and inclusion of the Kurmali language in the eighth schedule of the Constitution started on Tuesday.

As the protest entered its second day, people were seen gathering at the Kustaur railway station on the Purulia-Adra railway line of the South Eastern Railway. Train movement on this line has been completely closed. Several trains have been cancelled and some trains have been diverted.

Apart from Purulia, protesters have also blocked trains in Jhargram district, putting train services out of gear and affecting the commute for hundreds of passengers.

Several trains on the SER route connecting South India and eastern India have been cancelled due to the ongoing protest.