Rail services in Kashmir suspended again

Srinagar, Sept 25: Rail services have again been suspended in the Kashmir valley for security reasons following strike called by traders and transporters and supported by separatists in protest against summoning of more people by National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with terror funding. According to a senior official, a fresh advisory was received last night from the civil administration and police in this regard. Therefore, there would be no train run between Srinagar-Badgam in the central Kashmir to Baramulla in north. Similarly, no train will chug on Srinagar-Anantnag-Qazigund in south Kashmir to Banihal in Jammu region route today. Decision to resume train service tomorrow will depend upon the advisory from the police later in the day, he said. In the past, railway property, including stations and trains, suffered massive damage in violence in the valley. However, during 2016 summer unrest, the train service remained suspended for six months. Train service has become very popular in the Kashmir valley, where people prefer it against other mode of transport as train service is very cheap, safe and fast. Strike call was given by Kashmir Traders Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) against summoning of its president Mohammad Yaseen Khan by the NIA. Mr Khan has to appear before the investigation agency today at New Delhi. It was supported by transporters and separatist organisations. UNI