Himachal Pradesh halts overnight parking of buses in Punjab over pro-Khalistani slogans, attacks

NEW DELHI: In response to attacks on Himachal Pradesh buses in Punjab and pro-Khalistani slogans appearing on vehicles, deputy chief nminister Mukesh Agnihotri announced on Saturday that state buses will not be parked overnight in Punjab until safety is guaranteed.
The decision came after four Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses were vandalized at Amritsar stand Friday night, with pro-Khalistan slogans written on several others.
HRTC buses destined for Bilaspur, Dehra, and Una faced vandalism, while a Hamirpur-bound bus was marked with slogans, according to Divisional Manager Raj Kumar Pathak.
The HRTC operates on 600 routes in Punjab, making this a significant operational challenge.
"We think that until the Punjab government assures us of their safety, the buses will not be parked at night in Punjab. Buses would be brought back to Himachal borders and even some routes could be suspended," Agnihotri stated.
"The HRTC is not a party to any dispute and targeting our buses is not right, this is state's property but still such incidents are happening and we are in continuous touch with the Punjab government. The DGP has spoken to his Punjab counterpart in this regard," he added.
"Some anti-social elements are doing mischief by damaging the property of the state and this will not be tolerated. FIRs are being registered (in Punjab) and arrests are being made. Safety of staff and passengers is our priority," Agnihotri further emphasized.
The HRTC had already suspended 10 routes in Punjab following earlier incidents, including an attack on a Chandigarh-Hamirpur bus near Kharar.
Two arrests were made in Mohali regarding the bus attacks.
A separate incident involved stone-pelting on a Jalandhar-Manali bus, where attackers also placed posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. An FIR was registered in Sirhind for this incident.
The tensions escalated after a dispute at Manikaran Barrier in Kullu district over entry fees for vehicles from Punjab.
Four cases were registered against bikers from Punjab at Manikaran, Manali, and Kullu police stations between March 10 and 15, following the removal of flags bearing Bhindranwale's image from their motorcycles.
In retaliation, Dal Khalsa and Sikh Youth of Punjab activists in Hoshiarpur placed Bhindranwale's photos on HRTC and private buses.
HRTC employees, particularly drivers and conductors on Punjab routes, have expressed concern over the repeated attacks and pro-Khalistan slogans.
Anti Terrorist Front India's National President Viresh Shandilya addressed the media Saturday, stating these incidents were attempts to disturb Himachal's peace.
The Front announced plans to display Bharat Mata posters on Punjab Roadways buses at ISBT Shimla and conduct peaceful demonstrations.
The department maintains contact with HRTC bus staff and has informed higher authorities about the ongoing situation.
The recent events have created tension between the two states, with both sides taking measures to address the escalating situation.