MHA asks to ensure foolproof security along Assam railway line

The Home Ministry has directed the security forces to ensure foolproof protection of a railway track in Assam, considered a lifeline for Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura but often targeted by DHD(J) militants.

A two-member team, comprising Special Secretary (Internal Security) Raman Srivastava, Joint Secretary (NE) Naveen Verma, visited the disturbed North Cachar Hills district in last two days and reviewed the security arrangement along the Lumding-Badarpur railway line through which essential commodities are sent to the three northeastern states, official sources said.

During their discussions with top officials of army, state police, paramilitary forces and Railways, the Home Ministry officers directed them to ensure uninterrupted running of train services as it had been suspended several times in recent past due to the frequent attacks on railway staff and properties by Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel) militants.

The Lumding-Badarpur section, perhaps the only place in the country where bullet-proof engines are run, is a vital rail link between Brahmaputra and Barak valleys and serves as the lifeline for Manipur, Tripura and Mizoram.

There has been no movement of passenger trains on this section since April 15 while goods trains are being run off and on under heavy security during daytime, sources said.