72 trains cancelled as Kurmi organisations’ agitation continues

“As a result of the agitation, a total 308 trains have been cancelled since April 5,” read a statement issued by the SER.

“Train services of South Eastern Railway have been partially affected due to agitation by a group of people at Kustaur Station in Adra-Chandil section of Adra Division and Khemasuli Station in Kharagpur-Tatanagar section of Kharagpur Division from April 5th. However, the reasons for the agitations are not related to railways,” an official said.

Due to the ongoing protest, 72 trains will remain cancelled on Saturday and six on Sunday, officials claimed. The cancelled trains include 17321 Vasco Da Gama-Jasidih Express, 07256 Secunderabad-Patna Special, 18610 LTT-Ranchi Express, 13352 Alappuzha- Dhanbad Express.

The disruption in railway traffic has led to many passengers facing difficulties due to the cancellation and diversion of long-distance trains.

Kurmis had first taken to rail and road blockades in West Bengal and neighbouring states on September 20 last year, demanding a ST status and inclusion of the Kurmali language in the eighth schedule of the Constitution.