‘Direct’ Rail Connectivity to Kashmir Isn’t All That Direct. Here’s Why

Within the Valley, the debates over railway connectivity have generated anxieties over the demographic changes that might take place as a consequence of enhanced mobility into the region where road accessibility remains cut off in the event of bad weather. In the southern plains in Jammu, the trading community apprehends that a direct train to Kashmir will lead to them being ignored.
Already beset by the controversy over his perceived deference to the BJP-led Union government, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah initially sought to justify the one-stop arrangement, saying that it was conceived keeping in mind the security of passengers. “If there are security concerns, then I don’t think there should be any objections,” he told the media. “After all, whosoever travels by train wishes for their safety and security, and so do we.”
Other regional leaders from political groups like the Apni Party and the People’s Democratic Party, however, slammed the decision, calling it ‘humiliating’ and an ‘unnecessary burden’, respectively.
Sensing that the news has triggered a sense of dismay in several quarters, Omar nuanced his position.