Train service in Kashmir again hit for security reasons

Srinagar, Nov 27: Train service has again been suspended on Monday for security reasons in the Kashmir valley, where separatists had called for a general strike to express solidarity with the detenues, lodged in different jails within and outside the state.

'We have suspended all train runs in the Kashmir valley on the advice from police,' a senior railway official. This is for the 45th time rail service has been suspended in the Valley, fully or partially during 2017 so far. Therefore, he said, no train will chug on Srinagar-Badgam in central Kashmir to Baramulla in north. Similarly all trains will remain suspended on Srinagar-Anantnag-Qazigund in south Kashmir with Banihal in Jammu, he added. Admitting that Monday witness major rush of passengers, particularly in the morning, when people are returning to their place of work after Sunday, he said railway is acting as per advisory from the police. 'We cannot help as we have to act as per police directions since we cannot compromise with the security of the passengers and railway property,' he said.  Rail service has become very popular in the Valley as it is being considered cheap, fast and safe against all other mode of transport. Besides passengers, railway is also suffering a loss of Rs 3 lakh per day when the service is suspended. Both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference (HC) and seaparatist organisation, spearheading the agitation, demanding 'right to self-determination', have called for a general strike to express solidarity with the detenues lodged in different jails within and outside the state, alleging that they are being ill-treated in these jails. UNI