Kurmi Community Rallies for Recognition: Rail Teka Agitation Gains Support

The AJSU party has announced its significant participation in the Kurmi community's 'Rail Teka' agitation on September 20. This movement aims to secure Scheduled Tribe status and incorporate the Kurmali language into the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The agitation, orchestrated by the Adivasi Kurmi Samaj, will unfold across Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.

AJSU leaders, including central general secretary Lambodar Mahto, have committed full support to the cause, spearheading protest efforts in respective areas. Giridih MP Chandra Prakash Choudhary is set to lead mobilizations in Dhanbad, Giridih, and Bokaro, while Mandu MLA Nirmal Mahto will guide actions in Ramgarh, Hazaribag, and Chatra.

With a call for united political backing, the AJSU is rallying political entities such as BJP, Congress, and JMM to support the Kurmi community's demands. These include reinstating Kurmis in the ST list as was the norm until 1931, recognizing the Kurmali language, and implementing the Sarna religious code. Kurmi leader Om Prakash Mahto noted plans to disrupt rail services at over 100 stations across the states involved.

(With inputs from agencies.)