oversees arrangements

New Delhi, Feb 21 (UNI) Amid tight security, in the wake of the devastating terror attack on Sunday night, the 'Friendship Train' between India and Pakistan left from Old Delhi Railway station here at around midnight tonight.

Even as memories of Sunday night's blasts, which left 68 people dead and several others injured, are still fresh in public memory, the Samjhauta Express left the Old Delhi Railway Station on another trip to Lahore, thus reaffirming the determination of the Governments of India and Pakistan to continue on the ongoing journey towards forging links.

Reaffirming this was the presence of Union Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, who was present at the Old Delhi Railway station just before the departure of the 'Friendship Express' at around midnight, after more than an hour's delay from its scheduled time of 2240 hours.

Speaking on the occasion, the Railway Minister reaffirmed the determination of the Government not to let incidents like the Sunday night's blasts affect the peace process with Pakistan.

He also said adequate security measures had been put in place to ensure security of the passengers on the 'Friendship Train'.

With the shadow of the terror attack still looming large, stringent security arrangements were put in place as the Old Delhi station resembled a fortress.

Passengers in the Samjhauta Express were put through extensive checking and frisking.

Nearly 100 Railway Protection Force (RPF) jawans were placed at the Old Delhi Railway station to infuse a sense of security, a senior Railways official said.

Besides this, four of the six entry points on Platform No 18, from where the Samjhauta Express leaves, have been closed. Only two have been kept open for easy access to those who board the train.

The official said the entire station had been sanitised and a lot of checks carried out. Even police officials posted at the station and the RPF personnel escorting the train had to undergo stringent security checks.

No food stall or vendors were allowed on the platform.

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