Archive · 21 Sep 2025
Kurmi Community Agitation Halts After Government Assurance
The Kurmi community in several states blocked railway tracks to demand they be recognized as a Scheduled Tribe.
They also want their language, Kurmali, included in the constitution.
The protests caused many trains to be canceled or rerouted.
After assurances of a meeting with the Home Minister, the Kurmi community largely ended the protests, although two stations are still under blockade.
This issue has been ongoing for years, with the community seeking recognition and rights.
Kurmi community members protested in West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha, blocking railway tracks.
The protests aimed to secure Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and recognition of the Kurmali language.
Over 100 trains were affected, including cancellations, diversions, and delays.
The agitation was called off at most stations after the government promised a meeting with the Home Minister.
The agitation is a recurring event, with previous protests in 2022 and 2023.
- Who
- Members of the Kurmi community
- What
- Protests and railway blockades
- When
- September 2024
- Where
- West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha, particularly at railway stations
- Why
- To demand Scheduled Tribe status and recognition of the Kurmali language
Kurmi Community
Government/Authorities
ST Status
Kurmi Community
Demand for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe list and recognition of Kurmali language.
Government/Authorities
Addressing the demands while balancing legal and administrative considerations.
Methods of Protest
Kurmi Community
The need for direct action, including blockades, to raise awareness and pressure the government.
Government/Authorities
Concern about disruption of public services and maintaining law and order.
- Protesting Group
- Adivasi Kurmi Samaj (AKS)
- Primary Demand
- Scheduled Tribe (ST) status
- Secondary Demand
- Kurmali language inclusion in Eighth Schedule
- Affected Areas
- West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha
- Train Cancellations/Diversions
- Over 100 trains affected
- Action Taken
- Rail and road blockade
- Current Status
- Agitation called off at all but two stations
Sources
SER strengthens security to counter Kurmi rail blockade
Kurmi agitators demanding tribal status block railway tracks at over 15 locations in Jharkhand
21 trains stranded, many others cancelled in West Bengal as Kurmi reignite protest for ST status
Kurmi Samaj strike: Over 46 trains affected in South Eastern Railway – check full list
Kurmi community members block trains across Jharkhand, demand inclusion in ST category
“Rail Teka, Dahar Cheka” movement begins, train services disrupted across Jharkhand
Kurmi protest disrupts train services in Jharkhand; passengers stranded
Kurmi protest turns violent at Kotshila, 6 cops injured in Purulia - Telegraph India
Kurmi agitators end protest at all but two stations in Jharkhand, over 100 trains affected
