Rail service suspended in Kashmir for security reasons

Srinagar, Nov 18: Train service has been suspended on Saturday for security reasons in the Kashmir valley, where a militant and a Sub Inspector (SI) of state police were killed in an encounter on Friday evening on the city outskirts.

'We have suspended all train runs in the Kashmir valley today for security reasons,' a senior railway official. He said an advisory was received from administration and police directing officials concerned not to run any train. Therefore, he said, no train will chug on Srinagar-Badgam in central Kashmir to Baramulla in north. No train will also run from Badgam-Srinagar to Anantnag-Qazigund in south Kashmir to Banihal in Jammu region. 'During Saturday and Monday we receive heavy rush of passengers when people are going to their homes for spending Sunday with their families or resuming their duties or business after holiday', he said. 'We cannot help passengers as we have to act as per the directions by police for the security and safety of travelers and rail property,' he said. Hundreds of passengers who had arrived at Railway stations this morning were very disappointed after they were informed about the suspension of the train service. Railway has become very popular mode of transport in the Kashmir valley, which is cheap, safe and fast. Train service remained suspended during strikes and encounters between militants and security forces in the Kashmir valley for security reasons. UNI