Kurmi Community Protests for ST Status Disrupts Train Services in West Bengal

Kolkata, West Bengal – September 20, 2025 Train services across West Bengal were severely disrupted today as members of the Kurmi community, under the banner of Adivasi Kurmi Samaj, staged protests demanding inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. The protests, which included rail and road blockades, led to the cancellation and diversion of numerous trains, affecting thousands of commuters. The Kurmi community, which was categorized as Adivasi in the 1931 Census, claims they were unjustly omitted from the ST list in 1950. Despite previous protests yielding no results, the community has renewed its demand for official recognition and affirmative action. In response to the protests, the West Bengal government has heightened security measures across the state. While the protests have remained largely peaceful, authorities are on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents. The disruption of train services has caused significant inconvenience to daily commuters and travelers. Railway officials are working to restore normalcy and have assured passengers that efforts are underway to clear the blockades and resume services. The demand for ST status by the Kurmi community has reignited discussions on the criteria for caste-based reservations and the process of categorization. The central and state governments are expected to engage in consultations with the community leaders to address their concerns and explore possible solutions. As the situation develops, authorities are urging citizens to stay informed through official channels and to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and order.