In a significant demonstration of public discontent, a group of local residents from Burdwan staged a railway blockade at Burdwan station on Saturday, vehemently protesting against alleged harassment during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in West Bengal. The protest led to considerable disruption in train services for a period as demonstrators gathered on the tracks, raising slogans against the Election Commission and the Union government.
Protesters Enter Station with National Flag
Around 11 am, residents from Ward No. 3 in East Burdwan district entered the station premises, carrying the national flag as a symbol of their peaceful yet firm protest. According to reports, they also attempted to bring an e-rickshaw into the station area, but were promptly stopped by police personnel who were present to maintain order.
Intensification of Agitation and Train Delays
The agitation escalated when some protesters took a more drastic step by laying down on the tracks near platform number two, effectively blocking the movement of trains. This action resulted in delays, including for a Howrah-Burdwan local train, causing inconvenience to commuters. In response, Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel rushed to the spot to remove the protesters and restore normalcy, as confirmed by an official statement.
Residents Voice Grievances Over SIR Notices
One of the protesters, identified as Alauddin, shared his grievances, stating that SIR notices had been issued to four members of his family. He emphasized that this was not an isolated incident, saying, "Not only my house. Most houses in the area received notices. We are facing severe harassment. We aren't opposed to the SIR but are opposing the harassment of common people in its name. That is why nearly 1,000 people joined the protest." This highlights the widespread nature of the issue and the community's frustration with what they perceive as undue pressure during the voter roll revision process.
Impact on Local Services and Public Sentiment
The protest underscores growing tensions in the region over administrative procedures, with locals feeling targeted and harassed. The disruption of railway services, a critical mode of transport in the area, reflects the depth of their discontent and their willingness to take disruptive actions to draw attention to their plight. Authorities are now faced with the challenge of addressing these concerns while ensuring that such protests do not escalate further or cause prolonged disruptions.
