Jamshedpur News: Kurmi Community Agitation in Jharkhand Impacts Rail Services, Demands ST Status

Saraikela, September 20, 2025: Kurmi protesters blocked several key railway tracks, including routes under South Eastern Railway (SER), affecting train schedules in Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. Multiple trains were halted or diverted as rail traffic came to a standstill at protest sites.

Railway officials confirmed that passenger trains were stranded for hours, and the movement of goods trains was also impacted, causing inconvenience to thousands of commuters.

Kurmi Community Demands ST Status

The Kurmi community has long been demanding inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes category. According to protesters, despite repeated assurances from the central and state governments, their demand remains unfulfilled.

Kurmi leaders emphasized that recognition as an ST community would ensure access to constitutional safeguards, reservations in education and employment, and socio-economic upliftment.

Call for Recognition of Kudmali Language

Alongside the demand for ST status, protesters are also pressing for the recognition of the Kudmali (Kurmi) language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Leaders stated that inclusion of Kudmali would provide cultural preservation, linguistic rights, and opportunities for academic development of the community.

Security Tightened Amid Kurmi Andolan

Heavy police deployment was reported at protest sites to prevent any law-and-order situation. Officials from local administration monitored the agitation closely to ensure that demonstrations remained peaceful.

Despite tight security, the prolonged blockade caused major inconvenience to railway passengers. Authorities appealed for calm and assured that the matter has been forwarded to higher authorities for consideration.

Impact on Jamshedpur and Surrounding Areas

In Jamshedpur and adjoining regions, the Kurmi Andolan drew significant participation, with several local organizations joining the protest. Commercial activities near railway stations were also affected due to traffic congestion and the presence of large crowds.

Transport officials highlighted that such blockades not only impact train schedules but also disrupt essential supply chains.

Kurmi Leaders Vow to Continue Protest

Leaders of the Kurmi community declared that the agitation will continue until their core demands – ST status and Kudmali language recognition – are officially accepted by the government. They warned of intensified protests in the coming days if no concrete response is received.

The Kurmi Andolan has once again highlighted the long-pending demand of the community, putting the focus back on constitutional recognition, linguistic identity, and tribal rights in Jharkhand and neighboring states.