MEA clarifies about Samjhauta Express cancellation

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday clarified its stand on Pakistani media reports on Samjhauta Express being stopped on Friday, saying that the train was cancelled along with 75 other trains due to agitation in Punjab. Samjhauta Express was among 75 trains travelling through Punjab that were cancelled due to local agitation, including rail blockade. Indian Railway authorities had informed in advance their Pakistani counterparts that the train would not be able to run in such a situation, MEA spokesperson's official statement said.

"A number of Indians scheduled to travel to India from Pakistan today could not do so. The High Commission of India in Islamabad is in touch with Government of Pakistan to ascertain their numbers and ensure that all necessary assistance is extended to them," the statement added.

MEA has also urged the Railways to resolve the situation at the earliest and resume the service. "MEA has requested Indian Railways to work with authorities concerned in Punjab to resolve the situation at the earliest, and put extra bogies for catering to stranded passengers on both sides for the next run of the train normally scheduled for 11-12/10,? the statement said.

Samjhauta Express was cancelled yesterday due to farmer agitation in Punjab.