Srinagar, Jan 11: Congress leader and Media Coordinator Kashmir Dr. Audil Farooq Mir has criticised the government’s failure to establish a direct train link between Delhi and Srinagar, branding it a deliberate act of “economic strangulation” against the people of Kashmir.
Dr. Audil accused the authorities of betraying their much-publicized promises to bring Delhi closer to Kashmir, saying the region’s fractured infrastructure remains a glaring symbol of neglect and apathy.
He said that the newly introduced rail route between Delhi, Katra and Srinagar has become a lightning rod for criticism.
“Instead of ensuring seamless connectivity, passengers are forced to endure a humiliating and frustrating ordeal at Katra station. The railway officials have mandated that travelers disembark, re-scan their luggage and re-board another train to reach Srinagar,” he said.
He added that Katra has religious tourism potential which too shall be hampered with extra rush at the station thus no good intent is seen in the entire decision.
“On the other hand, we do not want Jammu, the city of temples, to see a decline in its relevance for travelers,” he commented.
Dr. Audil condemned this practice as nothing short of harassment, calling it an insult to the people of Jammu and Kashmir under the guise of security.
“This policy is another example of tone-deaf decision-making from a government that has repeatedly failed to deliver on its promises to the region,” he said.
Dr. Audil Farooq Mir called on the government to end its “anti-Kashmir policies” and deliver on its commitments to the region.
“This is not just about infrastructure; it’s about a systematic attempt to choke the economic and social lifelines of the people of Kashmir,” he said.
