Train linking Pakistan and India suspended as tension escalates
Tension shows no sign of abating between Pakistan and India because of recent developments in Kashmir, as Pakistan’s railways minister announced the suspension of the railway link between the two countries known as the Samjhauta Express.
The train runs from India’s capital New Delhi to the Pakistani city of Lahore.
Pakistan has also announced plans to expel India’s top diplomat and suspend trade with its neighbour, deepening a row between the countries over the disputed territory of Kashmir.
Indian-administered Kashmir has been on lockdown since the Indian government decided on Monday to strip the region of its special constitutional status.
Phone networks and the internet have been cut off since Sunday evening.
Tens of thousands of troops have been patrolling the streets.
Instances of protest and stone-throwing have been reported, despite the communications blackout and a curfew.
The UN has said the latest restrictions imposed on Indian-administered Kashmir are deeply concerning and “will exacerbate the human rights situation”.
A UN spokesperson highlighted a telecommunications ban, the arbitrary detention of leaders and a ban on political assembly.
