Burdwan: A group of locals blocked railway lines at Burdwan station on Saturday protesting alleged harassment in the course of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in Bengal. Train services were disrupted for some time as protesters gathered on tracks raising slogans against the EC and the Union govt.
Around 11 am, a group of Ward No.3 residents of East Burdwan district entered the station premises carrying the national flag. They also allegedly attempted to bring an e-rickshaw into the station but were stopped by police.
The agitation intensified when some protesters laid down on the tracks near platform number two, blocking train movement. A Howrah-Burdwan local train was delayed. Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel rushed to the spot to remove protesters, an official said.
One of the protesters, Alauddin, said SIR notices had been issued to four of his family members. "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."