Train services disrupted in west Bengal due to 12-hour 'bharat bandh' called by tribal group

Train services in Howrah-Chakradharpur division of South Eastern Railway in West Bengal was severely disrupted following a 12-hour ''Bharat Bandh'' called by the Tribal Group ( Adivasi Sengel Abhiyan-ASA) demanding among others to recognise the Sarna religion in the census.

The tribal group, which called the 12-hour Bharat Bandh, enforced the "Rail Roko" as the activists of the ASA squatted on the track at Katadih station disrupting the train services, including the Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat express, which was stranded at the Purulia station, official sources confirmed.

The ASA members were also seen walking on the rail tracks, holding their hand written demands on the posters and enforced the stoppage of many passenger, as well as the goods trains along the routes connecting Howrah to other parts of the country.
However, there were no reports of any violence, neither any arrest was made in this connection sources added.
The "rail roko" was enforced from 0600 hours this morning.

The ASA on Wednesday announced a “symbolic” Bharat Bandh today to press thir long-standing demand for the recognition of Sarna religion in the census.Sarna is the indigenous faith of tribal communities, who worship natural elements. ASA president Salkhan Murmu had said the Sarna language is the identity of about 15 crore Adibashi, which was denied the recognition.

The ASA also alleged the Pareshnath Pahar in Jharkhand was also sold, which should be revoked as they worship the hills.Sources said besides the Hoerah bound Vande Bharat from Ranchi, many other long distance passenger trains have been detained at several points over the SER section.Besides the disruption, the SER also announced cancellation of the Puri-Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express and Balasore-Bhadrak-Balasore MEMU Special owing to work at Kharagpur station.(UNI)