This Article is From May 26, 2009

Punjab effect: Stranded in Jammu

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Jammu: After two days of tension and violence, the first train to Punjab finally moving out of the Jammu railway station.

Train traffic between Jammu and Punjab was badly hit after a train was set on fire on Monday, in the violent backlash of the Vienna clashes.

Around 30,000 passengers are still stranded in Jammu.

Chanchal, who visited Vaishno Devi with her family is stuck at the station with a husband who's unwell and very little money.

"No one carries a lot of money while travelling. So now we are waiting helplessly at the station," she said.

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For most of them, it is a holiday turned nightmare.

"Passengers having reservations for tomorrow will get to board the train tomorrow, not us," said a passenger.

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"The hotel rates are rising. The weather is harsh, we have nowhere to go," said another.

Train services have now resumed, but the backlog is tremendous.

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The new rail minister, Mamata Banerjee, has promised urgent help.

The passengers are hoping that the special train from Jammu to Punjab will end their ordeal.

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