Train services suspended again for security reasons in Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Train services were again suspended on Monday for security reasons in the Kashmir valley, where separatists have called for a general strike against civilian killings in security force action and Cordon and Search Operations (CASO).
This is the third time train services have been suspended in the Kashmir valley since the imposition of Governor's rule in the state following resignation by Mehbooba Mufti as the chief minister after its alliance partner BJP pulled out from the government.
All train runs have been suspended in the Kashmir valley on a fresh advisory from police last night, a senior railway official told UNI. Since in the past, railways suffered heavy loss due to stone pelting and other violent incidents, no trains will operate on Srinagar-Badgam and Baramulla in north Kashmir, he said.
Similarly, no train will chug on Badgam-Srinagar, Anantnag-Qazigund in south Kashmir to Banihal in Jammu region.
Train services were resumed on Sunday after a day's suspension for security reasons in the valley, where separatists had called for a general strike in protest against the killing of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari by unidentified gunmen and civilians in security force action.
This was the eighth time, third in Governor's rule, train service was suspended partially or fully in the valley this month.
Train service has become very popular in the valley as it is safe, fast and cheap.
Majority people, travelling to Jammu or returning from winter capital, are preferring to travel in Srinagar-Banihal train.
''We are receiving heavy rush of passengers in the morning on Monday when people are resuming their normal activities after Sunday,'' he said.
Last year, more than 50 times train service was suspended or fully in the valley for security reasons due to strike or protests on railway tracks.