Jalpaiguri, 16 December (H.S.): The separatist movement in West Bengal is gaining momentum ahead of the 2026 elections. An attempt was made to block trains in parts of North Bengal and Assam on Tuesday over the demand for a separate Kamtapur state. However, due to the prompt action of the administration, the movement did not significantly affect rail traffic.

The Kamtapur State Demand Committee blocked the railway tracks in Dhupguri, Jalpaiguri, in the morning. Several people participated in the programme with flags, banners, and slogans. However, as soon as the programme began, Maynaguri police and railway police arrived at the scene and dispersed them. So far, there has been no significant disruption to rail traffic.

In North Bengal, a handful of separatists occasionally raise their voices demanding a separate Greater Cooch Behar and Kamtapur state. The elusive KLO (Kamtapur Liberation Organization) chief, Jivan Singh, periodically issues warnings veiled in political messages. Separatism is often fanned, especially during election times. The state is currently undergoing a SIR of the electoral rolls. The draft voter list was published on Tuesday. After the publication of the final list in February next year, the Election Commission may announce the dates for the assembly elections. And at such a crucial time, on the day of the draft list publication, calling for a rail blockade in North Bengal over the demand for a separate Kamtapur state is clearly a political maneuver, a fact that was not lost on anyone.

On Tuesday, protesters gathered at three locations in Maynaguri, North Dinajpur, and Assam for the rail blockade programme, raising several demands, including a separate Kamtapur state, recognition of a separate language, and immediate peace talks with KLO chief Jivan Singh. The organization's general secretary, Devendranath Rai, said, We have been demanding a separate state and a separate language for a long time. There has been a major movement for Kamtapur. Our leader, Jeevan Singh, has long wanted a peace agreement with the Indian government. But the government is dragging its feet. We want this agreement to be reached soon. We are holding this program today to demand that it be expedited. Our demand is legitimate, and the movement will continue until it is met.

However, on information, the police from Maynaguri police station and the railway police arrived at the scene together and dispersed the protesters. Railway officials spoke with the agitators. Currently, train traffic on this route is normal.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey