Movement of trains was affected on Saturday as thousands of Adivasis blocked railway tracks in various parts of the state to demand recognition of Sarna as a religious code in the census.

In recent years, the tribal community, under the banner of various organisations, are seeking that Sarna religion be acknowledged in the census. Saturday’s rail roko was organised by tribal social outfit Adivasi Sengel Abhiyan.

A number of trains, including the Vande Bharat Express and the Shatabdi Express which connect New Jalpaiguri with Howrah, got stuck at different stations.

In north Bengal, the blockade was raised at Adina station of Malda at 7.30am and continued for around six hours as demonstrators squatted on tracks with banners and festoons.

The Howrah-bound Shatabdi Express got stranded at Malda’s Samsi station. The Vande Bharat Express, headed towards NJP, halted at New Farakka and Malda Town stations.

The Trivundam-Tinsukia Express stopped at Jamirghata station, the Malda-Katihar passenger at Gour Malda station and Tevaga Express and Kulik Express waited at Eklakhi and Kumarganj stations.

In south Bengal, blockades were raised on tracks at Khemasuli on the Kharagpur-Tatanagar route and at Kantadih station of Purulia. NH32 at Kantadih was also blocked for six hours.

From late afternoon, train movement became normal on these routes.

Railway officials also announced the cancellation of 10 trains, including some long-distance express ones, because of the protests.

1 run over, truck burnt

A 25-year-old pedestrian was mowed down by a speeding truck on the outskirts of Siliguri on Saturday, triggering residents to vandalise and torch the vehicle.

Police dispersed the crowd. Search is on for the driver.

Sources said deceased youth Shiba Roy lived in Ambikanagar under New Jalpaiguri police station.