In response to recent attacks on Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses in Punjab and the defacement of vehicles with pro-Khalistani slogans, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri announced on Saturday that HRTC buses will not be parked in Punjab overnight until the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government ensures their safety, along with the security of passengers.
The decision follows an incident on Friday night at the Amritsar bus stand, where unidentified individuals smashed the windshields of four HRTC buses. Additionally, pro-Khalistan slogans were found scribbled on another bus bound for Hamirpur.
Similar incidents have occurred in the past, raising concerns about the safety of state-owned transport vehicles operating in Punjab.
HRTC Divisional Manager Raj Kumar Pathak confirmed that the buses targeted in the vandalism were scheduled to travel to Bilaspur, Dehra, and Una. He added that HRTC has been in communication with its bus staff and has escalated the matter to higher authorities for further action.
Addressing the media, Agnihotri, who also holds the Transport portfolio, stated that HRTC operates on approximately 600 routes within Punjab.
"Until we receive assurance from the Punjab government regarding the safety of our buses and passengers, HRTC buses will not be parked overnight in Punjab. Instead, they will be returned to Himachal borders, and we may even consider suspending some routes if necessary," he said.
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He further emphasised that HRTC is not involved in any political or regional disputes, making the targeting of its buses unjustifiable.
"These buses are state property, and it is unacceptable that they are being attacked. We are in constant touch with the Punjab government, and our Director General of Police (DGP) has spoken with his counterpart in Punjab regarding this matter. We will not tolerate miscreants damaging our state’s assets," Agnihotri asserted.
He added that the Punjab authorities have begun registering FIRs and making arrests in connection with these incidents. "The safety of our staff and passengers remains our top priority," he stressed.
Earlier this week, on Wednesday, HRTC had suspended operations on ten routes to Punjab after an attack on a Chandigarh-Hamirpur bus near Kharar in Punjab.
During this incident, assailants broke the windshield of the bus, though no passengers were injured. An FIR was filed in Mohali, and two individuals were subsequently arrested.
Similarly, on Monday, a Jalandhar-Manali bus was attacked with stones by unknown individuals who also affixed posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale onto the vehicle. Another incident involved threats being issued to the driver and conductor when they resisted similar attempts. An FIR regarding the attack was registered in Sirhind.
Speaking in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Agnihotri revealed that tensions began following an altercation between youths from Punjab and Himachal Pradesh at the Manikaran Barrier in Kullu district.
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The conflict stemmed from the Special Area Development Authority's imposition of an entry fee of Rs 50 for two-wheelers and Rs 100 for four-wheelers, which was opposed by Punjab residents.
The repeated attacks and defacement of buses have caused unrest among HRTC employees, particularly drivers and conductors operating routes to Punjab. Many have expressed their distress over the rising threats and intimidation.
The incidents also follow a controversy where local Himachal Pradesh residents removed flags bearing Bhindranwale’s image from the motorbikes of a group of youths from Punjab. Between March 10 and 15, police in Manikaran, Manali, and Kullu registered four cases against bikers from Punjab under various sections of the law.
In retaliation, members of Dal Khalsa and Sikh Youth of Punjab pasted Bhindranwale’s posters on HRTC and private buses in Hoshiarpur.
Meanwhile, Viresh Shandilya, National President of Anti-Terrorist Front India, addressed the media on Saturday, condemning the incidents as an attempt to disturb Himachal Pradesh’s peace. He stated that in response, the Front would affix posters of Bharat Mata on Punjab Roadways buses arriving at ISBT-Shimla and raise patriotic slogans in a peaceful manner.
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