Rail service suspended again in Kashmir for security reasons

"We have suspended train service in the Kashmir valley today," a railway official told UNI.

He said no train will run from Srinagar-Badgam in the central Kashmir to Baramulla in north. Similarly, trains will also not chug on Srinagar-Anantnag-Qazigund in south Kashmir to Banihal in Jammu region, he added.

Passengers, who had arrived at different stations, were very disappointed after they were informed that all trains have been suspended for security reasons.

He said rail service was resumed only yesterday after remaining suspended on Friday for security reasons. Railway department is acting on the advice of police and local administration. There was a call for protests by separatists after Friday prayers in the valley against the US decision to announce Jerusalem as capital of Israel.

However, trains witness major rush of passengers on Saturday when people were going to their homes to enjoy Sunday. Similarly, Monday also witness heavy rush when people are going to resume their normal activities after Sunday holiday.

The separatist organisations have called for a general strike today on International Human Rights day against alleged violation by security forces in the valley.

This was for the 47th time train service has been suspended partially or fully in the Kashmir valley for security reasons during this year.

Last year, the rail service was suspended for about six months due to summer unrest in the valley.

Train service has become very popular in the Kashmir valley which is being considered cheap, fast and safe against other mode of transport.