Train service resumes in Kashmir

Srinagar, June 22: Train service resumed on Friday after daylong suspension for security reasons in the Kashmir valley.

The separatists had called for a general strike on Thursday to protest the killing of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari by unidentified gunmen and civilians deaths in security force action.

'We have resumed train service in the valley following a fresh directive from police,' a senior railway official told TNN.

This was the sixth time, first in Governor's rule, train service had been suspended in the valley this month.

The train will chug on Srinagar-Badgam and Baramulla, in north Kashmir track today. Similarly, train will run on Badgam-Srinagar-Anantnag-Qazigund in south Kashmir to Banihal in Jammu region as per schedule. Trains on all routes are running as per schedule, he added.

'We are acting only on the advice of police,' he said, adding the security and safety of passengers besides railway officials was more important.

Train service has become very popular in the valley as it is being considered safe, fast and cheap against other mode of transport available. Majority people, travelling to Jammu or returning from winter capital, are preferring to travel in Srinagar-Banihal train.