Samjhauta Express delayed after Pakistani crew refuses to cross border
Passengers aboard the Samjhauta Express, which runs between Delhi and Lahore twice a week, were stranded for nearly three hours after Pakistani crew refused to cross the border, said reports. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Railway Minister said the train services have been permanently stopped. Refuting the claim, Indian Railways revealed the train is coming towards Attari after Indian crew took charge. Here's what went down.
Apparently, there is a drug connection
Reports have it that three days ago, 3 kg heroin and 2 SIM cards were recovered from tracks close to Wagah Border. Intelligence officials believe Pakistani crew of Samjhauta Express might be involved in this. Fearing strict action from Punjab police, the crew members didn't cross the border. Apparently, the delay wasn't linked with Indo-Pak diplomatic ties, but a statement from railways minister sparked confusion.
Samjhauta Express services have been completely stopped: Pak minister
"In a decision by the Railways Ministry, Samjhauta Express services have been permanently stopped. It used to ply twice a week. The people who had already purchased their tickets can get their money reimbursed from Lahore DS office," said Pakistan Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed.
Separately, India said Pakistan's concerns were addressed
On reports of Samjhautha Express' suspension, Indian Railways said it hasn't received any formal message from Pakistan, adding that the train is being moved from Wagah, and it will come to Attari. "Train has not been suspended. Pakistan authority raised some concerns with regards to the security of the crew and guard. We have told them that there is a normal situation here," Railways added.
To note, Samjhauta Express was suspended in February too
This is the second time that Samjhauta Express' services have been suspended in 2019 alone. After February's Pulwama attack, when tensions between both neighbors escalated, the train stopped ferrying passengers from one side of the border to another. Subsequently, the services resumed on March 2, a day after Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman returned home. He had landed in Pakistan after aerial combat.
Meanwhile, Pakistan decided to ban Indian cultural content
Further, Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan said Indian movies will not be given screening space in her country. She also added that a policy was being made to ban all kinds of Indian cultural content in Pakistan. Reiterating her government's stand, Awan said all "support" will be extended to Kashmiris, now that New Delhi has removed the special status of J&K.
However, India has asked Pakistan to review its decision
Though Pakistan has been chiding India after the Article 37 move, New Delhi asked it to review the decision. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs maintained that J&K is India's internal matter and Pakistan wants to "present an alarming picture to the world of our bilateral ties". The MEA said reasons cited by Pakistan were not backed by facts.
