‘Sarna’ religious code stir partially hits train services in West Bengal

The strike, spearheaded by ‘Adivasi Sengel Abhiyan’ has been demanding to recognise ‘Sarna’ as a separate religion and also introduction of separate code for that religion.

The strike, spearheaded by ‘Adivasi Sengel Abhiyan’ has been demanding the central government to recognise ‘Sarna’ as a separate religion for indigenous group and also introduce a separate code for that religion. (Representational/PTI)

Train services were partially hit in some districts of West Bengal on Saturday after a tribal body, demanding a separate code for ‘Sarna’ religion, went ahead with rail blockades in certain pockets as part of their nation-wide 12-hour strike.

The blockades, which were erected in tribal populated areas of Bankura, Purulia, West Burdwan, West Kidnapore and parts of Malda districts, were soon lifted and train services were restored.

However, several long distance trains are reported to be running late.

Tribal body leader Dhaneswar Hansda told reporters that their agitation of road and rail blockades will continue till 6 pm.

“The official percentage of tribal population of the country has declined to 26 per cent from the earlier figure of 38 per cent due to the non-recognition of Sarna religion,” he said.

The associations also demanded the recognition of Santhali language as the main language in Jharkhand.

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