25,000 train passengers stranded in Assam

With communal violence in Assam leaving some 25,000 train passengers stranded, the central and Assam governments were Tuesday urged to provide security so that train services can resume.

A total of 37 trains have been halted at various states due to clashes between Bodo tribals and Bengali speaking Muslims.

Officials said efforts were on to arrange for food and water for the stranded passengers.

Railway Minister Mukul Roy made the request for additional security to Home Minister P. Chidambaram and Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, an official statement said.

Roy said the train services had been crippled on a 54-km stretch between Srirampur and Salakati railway stations in Kokrajhar district.

According to the ministry, 26 trains have been cancelled. In addition, 37 have been halted at various stations.