Kolkata, September 19: The Kudmi Samaj has announced its decision to launch an indefinite rail and road blockade from September 20 at various stations under South Eastern Railway (SER), demanding early inclusion of the Kudmi community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. The protest is scheduled to begin at 5:00 am and is expected to have a massive impact on both passenger and freight train operations.

Risk of Severe Disruption

Indian Railways, considered the lifeline of the nation, fears the agitation will cause prolonged detention of trains and inconvenience to lakhs of passengers. Officials have warned that disruptions could also lead to shortages of essential commodities such as coal, food grains, petroleum products, fertilizers, drinking water, and even medical supplies. Previous agitations by the Kudmi Samaj have already caused widespread disruption to rail services, resulting in financial losses and immense hardship to the public.

High Court Directive

On Thursday, the Calcutta High Court directed the Bengal Government and Indian Railways to work jointly to ensure that the proposed agitation does not obstruct road and rail traffic. The order underlined the need for strict coordination to prevent public suffering and economic loss.

SER Steps Up Security

In anticipation of the blockade, South Eastern Railway has adopted a proactive security strategy in close coordination with state administrations and security agencies across West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha.

Key precautionary measures include:

• A formal request by the IG-cum-Chief Security Commissioner of SER to the Chief Secretary, DGP, and DG of Government Railway Police of the three states to ensure law and order.

• Strengthened deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) at 52 sensitive protest-prone stations.

• Formation of Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) to immediately tackle any attempt to obstruct train movement.

• Establishment of coordination cells with District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police for real-time information sharing.

• Intensified patrolling along tracks, stations, and yards to prevent sabotage and unauthorized entry.

• Round-the-clock emergency control rooms activated at divisional headquarters.

• Close monitoring of social media and intelligence networks to receive early warnings of mobilization.

• Public awareness campaigns launched through media and local channels to dissuade villagers from engaging in unlawful activities that may attract legal consequences.

Warning to Kudmi Samaj

In response to the memorandum submitted by the “Adivasi Kudmi Samaj,” SER authorities issued a written reply highlighting the severe consequences of the proposed blockade. The reply warned that the RPF is authorized to take strict action, including arrest and prosecution, against protestors obstructing train services.

The railway authority also emphasized that the Kudmi Samaj’s demand for ST status is a non-railway issue and urged the community to adopt constitutional and democratic means of protest. “Railways form the lifeline of essential passenger and freight movement in the region. Disrupting these services will only harm the public and the economy,” officials said.

Appeal for Peaceful Protest

Authorities appealed to the Kudmi Samaj to refrain from rail blockades and instead pursue their demands through appropriate legal and administrative channels. With elaborate preventive measures already in place, SER has assured passengers of its best efforts to minimize disruption, even as uncertainty looms over the scheduled agitation.