Tension rises in Jharkhand over Kurmi demand for ST status, tribal groups warn of protest

Political and social mobilisation has intensified in Jharkhand over the demand for granting Scheduled Tribe (Adivasi) status to the Kurmi caste.

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While Kurmi organisations are preparing for a series of agitations in Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bengal, tribal groups are strongly opposing themove, raising fears of a possible confrontation.

At a massive protest in Delhi's Jantar Mantar last week, Kurmi outfits announced a "Rail Roko-Rasta Roko" agitation, vowing to continue the movement indefinitely until their demand is met.

"Our struggle will go on until Kurmis arerecognised astribals," the organisations declared.