Kurmi community members gathered on railway tracks across Jharkhand on Saturday, pushing for recognition as a Scheduled Tribe. Protesters blocked railway lines on the Howrah-New Delhi route, causing massive delays.
In Ranchi, activists occupied Rai, Muri, Tatisilwai and Mesra stations, while other towns across Jharkhand saw similar disruptions.
Tensions escalated at Pradhankhunta station in Dhanbad when security personnel attempted to clear the tracks.
Protestors clad in traditional dress carried drums.
The demonstrators began gathering at stations as early as 4 AM, despite barricades set up by the police.
The Kurmi organisations leading the campaign had earlier announced plans to disrupt train operations at 100 stations across Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha, including 40 in Jharkhand, on September 20.
Rail services have already been affected.
The Dhanbad division cancelled the Hatia-Bardhaman MEMU (13504) and Hatia-Kharagpur MEMU (18036), while the Dhanbad-Alappuzha Express (13351) was rescheduled from 11:35 AM to 6:35 PM.
Authorities diverted the Ranchi-Chhapra Express via Ranchi-Tori, while train operations faced delays at Parasnath (Giridih), Chandrapura (Bokaro) and Rai (Ranchi).
Organisers described the agitation as a ‘historic protest’ and said they had mobilised support through grassroots campaigns from village to village.
Security measures have been tightened, with the deployment of RPF, GRP, state police, CCTV monitoring and drones.
Authorities warned of strict action against railway property damage, while MLA Jairam Mahato expressed solidarity with the Kurmi protests.
In a video statement, he said the movement also champions tribal status, Kurmali language recognition and land rights. On the ground, MP Chandra Prakash Choudhary led demonstrators in blocking tracks at Hesalong station.
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