Tensions have escalated between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab following a series of incidents involving vandalism of HRTC buses in Punjab and alleged harassment of Sikh pilgrims in Himachal.
The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has suspended 10 routes to Punjab after miscreants targeted and vandalised its buses over the past few days, prompting high-level intervention by the two states. Simultaneously, Sikh organisations have condemned reported anti-Sikh activities in Himachal, where clashes erupted over the display of flags and posters bearing the image of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale on vehicles belonging to Punjab tourists.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressed the issue in the state Assembly, responding to concerns raised by Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur. Sukhu said Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann had assured him of strict action against those responsible for the attacks on HRTC buses. “We have decided that DGP-level officers from both states will discuss the matter and decide on a future course of action to resolve the issue,” he stated.
Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, who also serves as the Transport Minister, confirmed that the HRTC had suspended 10 routes to Hoshiarpur and that FIRs had been registered for vandalism at Kharar and Sirhind. “In one incident, an HRTC bus was stopped by a car on the Kharar flyover and its windows were smashed by miscreants. Fortunately, no passengers were injured. In another incident, stones were thrown at an HRTC bus near Sirhind. FIRs have been filed in both cases,” Agnihotri said.
The targeting of HRTC buses reportedly began after a clash between Punjab youths and locals in Himachal Pradesh. The dispute arose over the display of flags and posters bearing the image of Bhindranwale on motorcycles belonging to Punjab tourists travelling to Manikaran in Kullu district.
Agnihotri said locals had no issue with the Nishan Sahib and other religious flags, which were respected by all. “We hope the matter will be resolved amicably,” he said, while also urging the CM to address complaints about entry fees being charged on two-wheelers entering Manikaran, which has drawn objections from devotees.
Thakur said it was the government’s responsibility to ensure the safety of HRTC staff and passengers. “People are scared to travel to Punjab, Haryana and Delhi due to these attacks. The government must take strong action and engage with the Punjab Government to resolve this issue,” he said.
The situation has also drawn condemnation from Sikh organisations. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami criticised the alleged anti-Sikh activities in Himachal Pradesh and called on the state government to take action against those responsible. Dhami expressed concern over reports of Nishan Sahib flags being forcibly removed from the vehicles of Sikh pilgrims. “Such incidents are not in the national interest,” he said.
Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has directed the SGPC to take up the matter with the Himachal Government. Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Khalsa Dhuma also demanded that the Himachal authorities must take action against those who misbehaved with Sikh pilgrims.
