Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 5: Scores of farmers today attempted to stop Budgam-bound train near Pattan Town of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district to draw the attention of Railway authorities towards the pathetic condition of Rail tunnel in the area, the lone access way to their paddy fields.
The farmers said the Railway tunnel in Pattan is not only stinky but also in dilapidated condition. The protesting farmers alleged that Railway authorities are unnecessarily delaying its repair work from last seven years even as the authorities have also received money from the Central Government for its renovation.
Police, however, foiled the protesters’ attempt to stop the train. “We had no option but to try to stop the running train to draw the attention of negligent Railway authorities. The tunnel stinks and pedestrians are unable to walk through it,” the protesters said.
Later, the authorities including Railway Station Master rushed to spot and assured the protesters that work on the dilapidated tunnel will be started within week’s time. After the assurance from the Station Master, the protesters dispersed peacefully.