Orisha Train Tragedy: A shocking disclosure has been made as ex-judges, IAS, IPS, IFS officers and others have written a communiqué to the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. They propose that the devastating rail mishap in Odisha, which led to the demise of 275 people and left an additional 1,175 injured, was not merely a misfortune but a premeditated incident.
They argue it was the result of ‘deliberate human interference’ – a severe act of sabotage perpetrated by terrorist outfits.
The horrific triple-train accident, which occurred in Odisha’s Balasore district on June 2, has left the nation reeling. The individuals behind the letter expressed their severe concern about the forces threatening our national security and development. They asserted their belief that the Balasore tragedy, a harsh blow to India’s rapidly modernising railways, was not a simple mishap but a deliberate act of terrorism.
National Security at Stake: The Warning Letter to PM Modi
In their compelling letter to the Prime Minister, the authors voiced their increasing concern about the malevolent forces striving to undermine India’s national security and progress. Citing initial media reports and their professional experiences, they underscored their belief that the derailment might not have been accidental but a malicious act of terrorism.
The letter mentioned, “Several of us who served in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East have encountered similar instances of sabotage affecting the smooth operation of the railway network.” They highlighted that terrorists have attempted to disrupt railway networks in these vulnerable areas, causing significant destruction, derailment, and civilian casualties.
A Call for Stringent Security Measures to Secure India’s Railways
The esteemed signatories didn’t stop at just pointing out the potential cause of the incident. They put forward their recommendations to avoid such calamities in the future. Referring to historical events, such as the numerous assaults on railway lines from Pathankot to Jammu during the 1990s and early 2000s, they recommended ‘adequate deployments’ to bolster rail line safety.
The correspondence highlighted, “Our entire Railway network is exposed to threats, particularly in Eastern and northeastern states, including the so-called ‘Chicken’s Neck’. It is crucial that illicit settlers, along railway tracks, inclusive of illegal immigrants, be expelled, and rigorous actions be implemented to safeguard the security of our railway lines.
Simultaneously expressing their trust in the investigative team, the signatories emphasised their resolve to uphold India’s territorial sovereignty and national security. They vowed to support measures aimed at safeguarding the nation and its infrastructure.
