“Rail Teka, Dahar Cheka” movement begins, train services disrupted across Jharkhand

The Kurmi community in Jharkhand launched the “Rail Teka, Dahar Cheka” (Stop the Railways, Block the Roads) movement on Saturday, demanding inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category. Members of the Adivasi Kurmi Samaj Manch took to railway tracks across several districts, causing widespread disruption to train services.

At Ranchi Railway Station, dozens of protesters carrying flags sat on the tracks, while large gatherings were reported near Muri station. In Bokaro, Giridih, and other smaller stations, demonstrators occupied the tracks early in the morning. Police set up barricades in several areas, but their efforts had limited effect.

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The movement has impacted train operations significantly. Among the services affected are: Hatiya–Bardhaman MEMU Express (13504), Hatiya–Kharagpur MEMU (18036), Barwadih–Gomo Passenger, and BDM 53357 Passenger trains. Barkakana–Varanasi Passenger (63557) was stopped at Kole station from 7 a.m. The Dhanbad–Alappuzha Express (13351) departure was rescheduled from 11:35 a.m. to 6:35 p.m. The Ranchi–Chopan Express (18613) was diverted via Ranchi–Tori, and the Palamu Express was terminated at Tori. Ranchi–Dumka Express (13320) will start only from Barakar, with services between Ranchi and Barakar suspended.

Political reactions have varied. JLKM supremo and MLA Jayaram Mahto supported the protest, calling it a fight for the Kurmali language, land rights, and ST inclusion. Manoj Pandey, central spokesperson for Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), described the demand as part of a BJP conspiracy to divide communities and deprive OBC groups of their rights. Jharkhand Congress media in-charge Rakesh Sinha said protest is a democratic right and the ST inclusion issue falls under the jurisdiction of the central government.

Historically, the Kurmi community was included in the Scheduled Castes during British rule but later removed. Protests for ST status gained momentum in 2022, lasting nine days, and again in 2023 for 7–8 days. No movement took place in 2024 due to elections.

During the current protests, women sang traditional songs on drums, while demonstrators danced on the tracks. Senior leaders of the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU), including former deputy chief minister Sudesh Mahto, participated at Muri station, and other leaders were present at multiple stations. Mahto urged state and central governments to take swift action, stressing the historical and factual basis of the Kurmi community’s demands.

The “Rail Teka, Dahar Cheka” movement has drawn attention across the state, affecting railway operations and highlighting ongoing demands for social justice and recognition.