The Adivasi Kurmi Samaj has declared its intention to stage fresh, impactful protests in West Bengal’s Purulia district starting September 25. This decision follows recent clashes with law enforcement at Kotshila railway station on Saturday, where the community clashed with police while pressing for their long-held demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, Kurmi members have intensified their advocacy, blocking railway tracks and roads across various parts of the state.
The situation in Purulia escalated into violence as Kurmi leaders and community members engaged in altercations with police. Reports indicate that stones were thrown by protestors, to which police responded with baton charges and tear gas. A significant deployment of the Rapid Action Force was also necessary to control the situation. Tragically, several police officers and journalists sustained injuries during the unrest.
Speaking on Sunday, Ajit Mahato, a prominent leader of the Adivasi Kurmi Samaj from Purulia, expressed the community’s resolve. “They arrested 44 of our people, not even sparing the women. Protesting is our fundamental right. Are they denying us even the most basic rights? We will proceed with fresh protests in Purulia on September 25,” Mahato asserted.
Previous rail blockades orchestrated by the Kurmi community severely impacted train services in bordering areas of Jharkhand and West Bengal, affecting over 50 trains. Although the blockade in Jharkhand was lifted within a day, the disruptions highlighted the significant impact of their actions.
Adding to the complexity, the Calcutta High Court, on September 18, declared the rail blockade illegal and unconstitutional, subsequently ordering the State police to enhance security measures. The very next day, senior police officials reinforced that road and rail blockades would not be tolerated, promising stringent action against any violations of the court’s directive.
The Kurmi community’s fight for ST status is a struggle spanning decades, resonating across the wider Chota Nagpur Plateau region, which includes West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Leaders passionately argue that gaining inclusion in the ST list is crucial not only for preserving their unique cultural identity but also for ensuring their constitutional rights are protected.