Railway Protection Force vows for safe travel of Kashmiris

As the Indian Railways step up its safety measures following a low-intensity bomb blast in Kanpur-Bhiwani Kalindi Express last Wednesday, senior officials said the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been directed to intensify their presence at every station of the country. The security officials have also been asked to ensure that Kashmiris, who travel in long-distance trains, are safe. Apparently, the blast took place just after top security officials met the Railway Board in New Delhi.

"The staff have been asked to move around in groups, randomly inspect stations and its peripheries. Combing operations shall be carried out where people will be frisked, luggage scanned and CCTV monitoring shall increase," said a senior RPF officer.

The RPF has formed groups where the sleuths will carry out checks in plain clothes. The RPF commandos will also inspect the stations, especially the important ones where people movement is in large numbers.

"They will also be posted to keep vigil with metal detectors, move around with sniffer dogs and constantly monitor CCTV. Moreover, they will keep watch on history sheeters and pick-pockets at railway stations. This is being done to keep an eye on any unwarranted activity," he said.

"There will be tight security on trains going to the north, especially Delhi and Kashmir," said an RPF officer.

On February 20, a low-intensity blast took place in the toilet of Kanpur-Bhiwani Kalindi Express. The blast took place near Barrajpur station at around 7.10 pm. Another low intensity blast took place in Kashimira in Thane after an unidentified person allegedly threw a plastic ball filled with explosives.