SRINAGAR: Train service between Srinagar and Baramulla in north Kashmir resumed this morning, after remaining suspended for a day yesterday for security reasons in view of strike called by separatists against the four-day visit of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to the State.
However, the train runs between Srinagar to Banihal in Jammu region remained suspended for the second successive day today, when two Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmir district of Kulgam early this morning.
“We have resumed train service on Srinagar-Badgam in central to Baramulla in north Kashmir this morning after remaining closed yesterday,” a railway official said.
He said train service will remained suspended today on Srinagar-Anantnag-Qazigund in south Kashmir to Banihal in Jammu region for security reasons.
The official said train service remained suspended following directive from the state administration and police. “There was threat to railway property and passengers,” he added.
Rail service was also suspended on September 8, when separatists had called for protests after Friday prayers to express solidarity with the Rohingya Muslims.
Both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference (HC) and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), spearheading the agitation demanding right to self determination, had called for a general strike today against the visit of Mr Singh, who arrived here on September 9 on a four-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.
The train service has become very popular among the passengers, particularly daily travellers and those travelling from Jammu to Srinagar, who prefer boarding train from Banihal. The service is being considered safe, fast and economical.
In the past, railways suffered heavy damage to property, including stations and tracks due to violence. Last year the train service remained suspended for about six months due to summer unrest in the valley. (AGENCIES)
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