Rail Roko Agitation for Separate Cooch Behar State Disrupts Rail Traffic Across Four North Bengal Districts
Kolkata: The Greater Cooch Behar People’s Association (GCPA) on Wednesday launched a ‘Rail Roko’ agitation at Jorai station on the Assam-West Bengal border, demanding statehood for Cooch Behar. This protest caused widespread disruption in rail services across four districts of North Bengal. Several long-distance trains were stopped, while others were canceled, including the Vande Bharat Express.
The GCPA has long demanded separate statehood for Cooch Behar. The organization intensified its agitation on Wednesday, with hundreds of activists, led by leader Banshi Madan, sitting on the tracks at Jorai station early in the morning. The protesters declared that their agitation would continue until their demands are met.
Major Train Services Affected
According to railway sources, the agitation led to the cancellation of trains such as the up and down Vande Bharat Express, Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri, and Bongaigaon-New Jalpaiguri Express. Meanwhile, other trains, including the Dibrugarh-New Delhi Rajdhani Express, Arunachal Express, and Guwahati-New Delhi Express, were diverted through Fakiragram, Golakganj, and New Cooch Behar.
Thousands of passengers were stranded due to the disruption. The railway authorities set up help desks at various stations to assist travelers. However, passengers continue to face significant challenges in reaching their destinations.
A Long-standing Demand
The demand for Cooch Behar’s statehood is not new, but neither the state government nor the central government has provided a concrete response so far. Protesters allege that their demands have been repeatedly ignored, compelling them to resort to such measures.
Impact on Business and Transport
The agitation has not only disrupted passenger travel but also affected trade and other activities in North Bengal. The railway administration and the state government are closely monitoring the situation. While alternative routes are being used to operate some trains, normalcy has yet to return.
It remains to be seen how the government and railway authorities address this situation and respond to the protesters’ demands.