Train services suspended in Kashmir

Srinagar, Mar 12 : Train services have again been suspended for security reasons in the Kashmir valley, where three militants were killed in an encounter by security forces in Anantnag in the wee hours on Monday.

However, national highway, connecting Kashmir valley with the rest of the country, was through for one-way traffic and vehicles will be allowed from Jammu to Sriangar.

'We have suspended train services in the valley following fresh advisory from police this morning,' a senior railway official told TNN.

A train which had left Banihal in Jammu region for Srinagar, has been stopped at Anantnag. Similarly, a train which had left Baramulla for Srinagar has also been stopped.

Now no train will chug on Badgam-Srinagar- Anantnag-Qazigund and Banihal, the official said, adding that similarly no train will operate on Srinagar-Badgam and Baramulla in north Kashmir. Some people have blocked the track on a bridge at Bijbehara in south Kashmir.

Monday normally witnesses heavy rush of passengers who resume their normal activities after Sunday break.

Railway authorities are acting on the advice of police, he said, adding that the decision to suspend train service was being taken in the interest of passengers and railway property.

During protests and demonstrations, railways have suffered heavy losses in the past. Last year, train services were suspended over 50 times for security reasons.