Kurmi Community's Resurgent Rail Blockade Grips Jharkhand, Demanding ST Status and Linguistic Recognition

The Kurmi community in Jharkhand has initiated a widespread and impactful rail blockade, bringing train services across several key routes to a grinding halt. This powerful demonstration is a renewed push in their long-standing and fervent demand for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category and the recognition of the Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Protestors, organized under banners like the Adarsh Kurmi Vikas Manch and Adivasi Kurmi Samaj, descended upon railway tracks at critical junctions including Gomoh in Dhanbad, Muri in Ranchi, and Nimdih in Seraikela-Kharsawan.

These strategic blockades, which commenced early on the designated day, have effectively paralyzed rail traffic, leading to significant disruptions for passengers and freight alike. Similar agitations are also anticipated or underway in neighbouring states of West Bengal and Odisha, highlighting the regional scope of this pressing issue.

The repercussions of the blockade have been immediate and far-reaching.

The Eastern Central Railway (ECR) zone, along with sections of the South Eastern Railway (SER), has reported severe operational challenges. Numerous trains have been either diverted from their usual routes, short-terminated at earlier stations, or outright cancelled. Commuters, particularly those on popular inter-state routes, have faced considerable inconvenience and delays.

Notable diversions include the Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express and the Howrah-Ranchi Shatabdi Express, with reports indicating that approximately 20 trains have been affected by the ongoing agitation.

The core of the Kurmi community's demand lies in their historical claim to tribal status. Historically, the Kurmis were recognized as a primitive tribe until 1931, a status that was subsequently removed from the Scheduled Tribe list.

The community argues that their unique cultural practices, traditions, and socio-economic indicators align with those of other recognized tribal groups, and their exclusion was a historical oversight or political manoeuvre. They believe that ST status would not only provide them with much-needed affirmative action benefits but also acknowledge their distinct identity and heritage.

Furthermore, the demand for the inclusion of the Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule is equally significant.

Kurmali is a widely spoken language among the community, boasting a rich oral tradition and cultural significance. Its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule would grant it official recognition, promoting its preservation, development, and use in education and administration.

As the rail blockade continues, authorities are closely monitoring the situation, while the Kurmi leadership remains resolute in its stance.

The protest underscores the profound aspirations of a community striving for identity, recognition, and equitable development, bringing to the forefront a complex socio-political issue with deep historical roots and significant contemporary implications for the region.