Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 23: Northern Railways today expressed serious concern over damage to its property in Kashmir valley by the rowdy public.
In a statement, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Northern Railways said, “on July 20, rowdy crowds indulged in stone pelting and extensive vandalism on the trains resulting in breakage of window panes, damage to back rest of seats and tearing off of seat covers”, adding “there are also reports about damage to expensive CCTV equipment/junction boxes in the Peer Panjal Tunnel”.
He further said that local youth resorted to roof-top travel even when there was sufficient accommodation available in the running coaches. “This forced the train running staff (crew & guards) to run the trains accompanied with security forces even with the roof riders. Nevertheless, all railway staff performed their duties with great courage even in these dire circumstances”, he added.
According to the Chief Public Relations Officer, as many as 17 trains out of 26 lost punctuality on account of the mischievous activities. “Heavy damage, which could run into crores of rupees, has occurred and will take a long time to repair”, he added.
Northern Railway has appealed the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir to discourage and prevent anti-social elements indulging in mindless vandalism as it is counter-productive benefiting no one. “With train operations affected, the general public is put to great inconvenience causing a chain of detrimental conditions. Roof riding, which puts lives at risk and causes delay in train services, is a punishable offence and should be avoided”, the Chief PRO said.
When contacted, IGP Railways, Mohd Suleman Salaria refuted vandalism and damage to the property of the Northern Railway and said, “GRP men are working round the clock to ensure safety of the trains and other infrastructure”.
“I have not received reports of damage to the railways property”, he further said.
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