Overview
- Kurmi groups demanding Scheduled Tribe status and recognition of the Kurmali language launched coordinated rail and road protests across Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha.
- Following the Centre’s assurance of a meeting with Amit Shah, agitators withdrew from all but two stations in Jharkhand, with Sini expected to clear soon and Pradhan Khanta continuing until a date is fixed.
- Railways reported cancellations, diversions and short terminations affecting more than 100 trains in the South Eastern and East Central Railway zones, including services such as Vande Bharat.
- The Calcutta High Court labeled the planned blockade illegal and directed enforcement; West Bengal deployed large contingents and largely prevented blockades, yet clashes at Kotshila led to injuries and 29 arrests.
- Adivasi Kurmi Samaj announced fresh protests in Purulia on September 25, while tribal groups in Jharkhand said they will oppose any move to grant the Kurmi community ST status.