Hathikhali: It is probably one of the most dangerous rail journeys in the country today -- the Hill Section of Assam, where running of passenger trains have been suspended for the last one month.
Goods train carrying emergency services are, however, running but are being consistently targetted.
A day later the militants again ambushed the same train carrying a restoration team.
A helpless railway staff has since suspended all work.
Says a Railway employee: "We are ready to resume work but only if adequate security is provided to us."
Not only railways, the National Highway Authority of India contractors stationed there for the East West Corridor project have been targetted for years now.
Three engineers were abducted only last week.
Says Borgohain Gammon, a contractor with National Highway Authority of India: "The situation is very tense and we have stopped work for the last one and half years and all contractors have decided to withdraw. In every moment there is fear"
Full blown terrorist violence, abductions, and ethnic unrest have pushed North Cachar Hills on the edge. Though a massive counter insurgency operation is in place with a five thousand strong force , the government's mixed signals have been confusing any efforts at resolution.