Eminent Persons Write Letter to PM Modi Expressing Concerns over Odisha Accident, Suspect Sabotage by Terrorist Outfits
In a significant development, a group of eminent individuals, including retired senior civil servants, senior officers of the Armed forces, and members of the judiciary, have written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing their concerns over the recent tragic accident in Balasore, Odisha. The letter highlights the possibility of deliberate human interference and sabotage by terrorist outfits as the cause of the derailment.
The letter, signed by prominent personalities such as Vikram Singh, IPS (Former DGP, U.P), S.P Vaid, IPS (Former DGP, J&K), and several retired judges, emphasizes the need to address the forces working to undermine national security and progress. The signatories draw attention to their experiences in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East, where similar attempts were made to disrupt railway networks, leading to sabotage, derailment, and civilian casualties.
The concerned individuals express their belief that the entire railway network, especially in the Eastern and Northeastern States, including the vulnerable “Chicken’s Neck” region, is susceptible to such acts of sabotage. They emphasize the importance of removing illegal squatters and immigrants residing along railway tracks and implementing stringent measures to secure the safety of the tracks.
The signatories show confidence in the ongoing investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and its ability to identify the perpetrators behind this ghastly act of undermining public confidence in India’s internationally renowned railway system. They highlight the significance of safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and national security, particularly during India’s tenure as the President of the G20 and the ongoing celebration of the 75th year of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.’
The letter concludes by pledging the full support of the signatories in the government’s endeavors to protect national security and ensure the safety of the railway network.
The Prime Minister’s Office has acknowledged the receipt of the letter but has not issued an official statement regarding its contents. It is expected that the concerns raised by the eminent individuals will be taken into consideration, and appropriate actions will be initiated to address the vulnerabilities in the railway network.
As investigations into the Balasore accident continue, the nation awaits further updates from the authorities regarding the incident’s cause and the steps taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
