MUMBAI, August 11: Frustrated commuters on the Central Railway set two local trains on fire at Mumbra around 10 am, causing disruption in the services for the third consecutive working day today. The agitation of the All India Station Master's Association (AISMA) added to the flame.

Subhash Bhoir, leader of the opposition in the Thane Municipal Corporation, who resides in Mumbra, fell victim to mob fury. The agitators stoned his bungalow.

Five bogies of a CST-Kalyan train was set ablaze by angry commuters and four others were destroyed, while the motorman's cabin of an Asangaon down local was fully burnt in another incident. Three people from the fire brigade were injured. Two of them, Pardeshi and Kushalkar, were sent to the Thane civil hospital for treatment.

It all started at Mumbra when a 7:52 am CST-bound train arrived only at 8.52 am, to stay put at the station for the next 10 minutes, irritating the passengers further. A few people struck down the clock and shattered the window panes of the Mumbra station offices.

An eye-witness, Shahnawaz said, ``The crowd became uncontrollable when a constable pointed a rifle at an eight-year-old, and asked the mob to calm down. Following which they set the train ablaze."

Commuters resorted to stone throwing at Thane, Bhandup, Vikhroli, Kalwa, Diva and Ghatkopar. Both suburban and long distance trains were stranded at various intervals as sleepers were laid on the tracks. Most of the long distance trains leaving Mumbai were cancelled, as well. They have been running 12 hours late.

The 1007 down Deccan Express which leaves CST at 6.35 am reached Thane at 8.40 am and was halted a little ahead, at the Kalwa bridge. The name plates were taken apart by commuters. The agitated mob indulged in large-scale stone throwing and broke the signals and caution boards and damaged the engine of the train. The assistant driver of Deccan Express walked back to the Thane station master's office to seek protection. Passengers of the train mobbed the station master's cabin at Thane and demanded a refund of fares. Ashok Salvi, one of the Pune bound passengers said: ``We are having a harrowing time, there is no police anywhere in sight, nor is the pantry car stalked. The children are crying and hungry, and to add to it, no announcements are being made.''

The 2027 Down Shatabdi Express was halted ahead of the Deccan Express, while the 6529 Down Udyan Express was stranded at Ghatkopar. Commuters also pelted stones on an Ambernath bound local at Thane, breaking all windows panes. The Kalwa railway cabin was also the target of commuters' ire. R Agnihotri, Railway Protection Force (RPF) Inspector at Thane said that owing to the fire, there were rumours of firing at Kalwa. However, no arrests have been made.

Meanwhile, the CR Divisional Railway Manager, Rakesh Chopra was holed up in a meeting with the AISMA president and secretary. The group had called for an all-India strike to press for their seven charter demands which included a revision of pay and better work conditions. The AISMA representatives informed this paper that their strike came into effect from midnight, and each train was to be halted for two minutes at each signal. Commuters got restless as a result of the delay.

D D Budhiraja, station manager, Thane, said that the Bhandup commuters had already hinted at trouble following the Thane and Mulund episodes. Mulund remained calm today, though. The crowd continued to swell, cutting into the office-goers' precious time. "If I don't sign my muster today I will lose all three days' pay," said Kamal. ``Why don't they just announce and let us know once and for all whether the trains will run, so we don't have to waste our time." The DRM was learnt to have asked the AISMA to take back its strike on suburban services at 12.30 pm. BJP corporator Sardar Tara Singh with commuters from Bhandup submitted a memorandum to the CR authorities. Sixteen long distance passengers were refunded their tickets at Thane.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.