$hokeen J@tt
Prime VIP
Rail service in Kashmir Valley suspended
New Delhi: Amid mounting unrest in Kashmir Valley, railways have suspended train movement on Quazigund-Baramulla section for the first time after rail service was introduced in the area two years back.
The suspension will remain in vogue till normalcy is restored in the region, said a railway spokesperson.
"Due to law and order situation and damage to railway tracks, signalling equipment and station building at and around Sopore station in the Valley by mobs, the train services have been suspended," he said, adding, the suspension came into effect from July 31.
The spokesperson said the decision was taken after damage to rail tracks and signals between Sopore and Srinagar stations. He said Budgam station was also attacked by about 3000 protesters who also entered a nearby railway colony and threatened the railway staff.
Hence, Railways had no option other than cancelling the train operation in the Valley.
Meanwhile, majority of the railway staff have started moving out of the Valley fearing for their lives, thus putting a big question mark on smooth execution of the remaining portion of the Kashmir rail link project.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had flagged off the first train service in the Valley in October 2008.
