Militants blow up rail track in Kashmir

Reports said unidentified militants had planted an explosive device on the railway track at Sootho-Nowgam here. They triggered off an explosion during night.

The blast damaged the two- metre section of the track and a big crater was also caused on the spot.The explosion was heard at Nowgam and its neighbouring areas. The window panes of some neighbouring houses were also damaged. Soon after the incident, police, security forces and rail authorities reached the spot.

In the morning, the repair work was carried out. The security personnel also conducted a thorough search of the track from north to south Kashmir to ensure safe passage of the trains. After the repairs and assurance by security agencies, the train service resumed.
Senior superintendent of police (railways), said the militants caused the blast to disrupt the rail service.

Trains operate from the Baramulla district of north Kashmir to Qazigund and vice versa from dawn to dusk only. . The rail service was inaugurated by Prime Minister  Manmohan Singh in 2008.  Kashmir is yet to get connected with the rest of the country by train. This is the second blast on the rail track in Kashmir since February last year.