Train service remains suspended in south, resumes in north Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 18: Train service remained suspended for the fourth successive day on Tuesday for security reasons in south Kashmir, where seven persons were killed in security force action on demonstrators.

However, train service resumed in north Kashmir after remaining suspended for three days, following strike called by Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) against the Pulwama killings.

Train service was suspended on Saturday in the valley when an encounter ensued between militants and security forces during cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at Sirnoo in Pulwama.

Three Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militants, including an Army deserter, and a soldier were killed. During the subsequent clashes seven civilians were killed in security force action.

We have received a fresh advisory on Monday night not to resume train service in south Kashmir, a senior railway official told TNN.

Therefore, he said no train will chug on Badgam-Anantnag-Qazigund in south Kashmir to Banihal in Jammu region for the fourth day today.

Train service has been resumed in north Kashmir, he said, adding therefore trains will chug on Srinagar-Badgam to Baramulla in north Kashmir after three days.

Railway official said we are acting on the advice of local administration, including police as security and safety of passengers besides railway officials and property was important. He said Train service has become very popular in the Kashmir valley as it is being considered economical, fast and safe against other mode of transport service available.

However, in the past also, train service has being suspended every time separatists call for a strike, locals demonstrate or an encounter ensues in the valley. The move comes as the railway property has suffered huge losses in the past during protests.