Kurmi Community Demands Recognition, Train Tracks Blocked

Train services in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district were disrupted by Kurmi community protests demanding Scheduled Tribe status. Organized by Odisha Kurmi Sena, the protest involved blocking railway tracks and roads. Their president emphasized the fight for constitutional rights. Kurmis are currently classified as OBC in Odisha.

Devdiscourse News Desk | Baripada | Updated: 20-09-2025 15:10 IST | Created: 20-09-2025 15:10 IST

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Country:
India

Train operations were disrupted in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district on Saturday due to protests by the Kurmi community seeking Scheduled Tribe status.

The Odisha Kurmi Sena mobilized hundreds of protestors, including men, women, and children, to block railway tracks at Bhanjapur station. This demonstration stopped the Bangirposi-Bhubaneswar Super Fast Express for over 20 minutes, according to an official.

Odisha Kurmi Sena president Divyasingh Mahanta stated the protests were to assert the community's constitutional rights. Additionally, some roads in the district were blocked, said police. Kurmis mainly reside in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Sundergarh, and are currently classified as Other Backward Classes (OBC) in the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)