SRINAGAR: All train runs from Srinagar-to Banihal in Jammu region via south Kashmir have been suspended today for security reasons following death of two Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militants in an encounter in Anantnag.
However, trains will chug on Srinagar-Badgam in central Kashmir to Baramulla in north Kashmir, a senior railway official said this morning. He said that all trains, operating between Badgam-Srinagar-Anantnag-Qazigund in south Kashmir and Banihal in Jammu region have been suspended for the day.
”We have taken the decision to suspend train service today in south Kashmir after receiving an advisory from the administration and police for security reasons,” he said, adding that trains will continue to run to north Kashmir.
Train service was resumed between Srinagar and Banihal only yesterday after remaining suspended for four days for security reasons. During the past four days, the train service in south Kashmir remained suspended for security reasons after the killing of two Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) local militants in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district July 30.
This was followed by killing of two Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) militants, including most wanted commander Abu Dujana on August I in Pulwama. Two civilians were also killed in security force firing on demonstrators who were trying to disrupt the operation.
In the past, railway property has suffered massive damage during protests in the valley, where the train services remained suspended for about six months during summer unrest last year.
However, people shuttling daily between north to south via Srinagar or vice versa prefer train service which is being considered most dependable, cheap and safe mode of transport in the Kashmir valley, where frequent traffic jam is a daily routine. (AGENCIES)
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