Kurmis Hold 'Rail Roko' Protest In Jharkhand Despite Prohibitory Orders, Howrah-Pune Duronto Express Stranded
Kurmi protest in Jharkhand disrupts train services as community demands ST status and language recognition. Security tightened across major stations.
Train services across Jharkhand came to a halt on Saturday after Kurmi community members launch a large-scale rail blockade in defiance of prohibitory orders. Protestors sat on railway tracks at key stations including Rai in Ranchi, Parasnath in Giridih, and Chandrapura in Bokaro. The agitation, organised under the banner of the Adivasi Kurmi Samaj (AKS), was aimed at pressing for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Kurmis and the inclusion of the Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
#WATCH | Jamshedpur, Jharkhand: On the Kurmi community to hold the 'Rail-Roko' protest, Railway Protection Force (RPF) Officer, Jitendra Chandra Das says, "No one has come in since morning. Two or four ladies tried to come in but were turned away from the outside. So far, some… pic.twitter.com/xc1NdPp3Rm
— ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2025
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Security Measures And Prohibitory Orders
The blockade led to major disruptions in divisions under South Eastern and East Central Railways. Railway officials confirmed that several trains were delayed or diverted as security forces worked to clear the tracks.
Security was ramped up across sensitive stations. DGP Anurag Gupta directed forces to increase vigilance, deploy additional personnel equipped with protective gear, and use CCTV and drones to monitor the situation. Coordination with railway police was also stressed to prevent stone-pelting and ensure passenger safety during the stir.
STORY | Rail blockade by Kurmis underway in Jharkhand, train services partially affected
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 20, 2025
Defying prohibitory orders, a rail blockade by Kurmis is underway at various stations in Jharkhand on Saturday morning, disrupting train services partially in the state, officials said.… pic.twitter.com/s2l5633H6b
Authorities imposed strict prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS in multiple districts to curb escalation. In Ranchi, restrictions were enforced within a 300-metre radius of stations such as Muri, Silli, Khalari, and Tatisilwai, effective from Friday evening until Sunday morning. Similar measures were implemented in East Singhbhum, covering Tatanagar, Govindpur, Rakha Mines, and Haldipokhar.
As per the orders, gatherings, dharnas, effigy burning, carrying weapons, including traditional bows and arrows, and any public address with the intent to disturb peace were strictly prohibited.
Kurmi Protest Strands Howrah-Pune Duronto Express At Ghatshila
VIDEO | Jharkhand: 12222 Howrah-Pune Duronto Express stranded at Ghatshila Railway Station since 9 am due to a rail blockade called Kurmis.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 20, 2025
They are demanding for a Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the community and inclusion of the Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule of the… pic.twitter.com/lVqAVmC0lk
The Kurmi-led rail blockade in Jharkhand brought the 12222 Howrah-Pune Duronto Express. to a standstill at Ghatshila Railway Station from 9 am on Saturday. Protestors, demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) recognition for the Kurmi community and the inclusion of the Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, sat on the tracks, halting the train’s journey and causing significant disruption to passengers.
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