Tensions Escalate Between Punjab and Himachal Over Khalistani Symbols, HRTC Buses Targeted
Shimla, March 18: The issue of Khalistani leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale has sparked fresh tensions between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, leading to protests and disruptions involving Himachal Roadways Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses. The controversy erupted following the removal of Bhindranwale’s flags from motorcycles in Himachal Pradesh, an action that has met strong opposition from various quarters in Punjab.
The situation escalated further when protestors in Punjab began halting HRTC buses traveling from Himachal Pradesh, with the demonstrators putting up posters of Bhindranwale on the buses. Additionally, there have been reports of swords being waved openly, further adding to the growing concern over law and order. These incidents have brought the issue to the forefront, making it a topic of heated discussion in both state assemblies.
On Tuesday, the issue was raised in the Himachal Vidhan Sabha, where Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur strongly criticized the state government for not doing enough to address the situation. Thakur pointed out that the act of placing Bhindranwale’s flags on HRTC buses and the waving of swords in public is a serious threat to public safety and order. He expressed his concern over the lawlessness being displayed by some individuals, particularly the youths from Punjab, who, according to him, were openly flouting the law.
“It is a big question on law and order. Some youths from Punjab are coming to Himachal, they are welcome, but they are creating a ruckus with posters. They are flouting the law and order. The government should take cognizance of this and talk to the Chief Minister of Punjab,” said Thakur, demanding immediate intervention from the state government.
In response, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured the Assembly that he would take up the matter with the Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann. He acknowledged the gravity of the issue, stating that certain “mischievous elements” were behind these disruptive incidents. Sukhu confirmed that the police had already registered an FIR related to the matter and expressed regret over the actions of the protestors. He reassured the people of Himachal Pradesh that the state government would take all necessary measures to maintain peace and order.
The controversy centers around the ongoing dispute over Bhindranwale’s symbols, which have long been a sensitive issue in both Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Bhindranwale, a prominent figure during the 1980s, remains a divisive figure, particularly in Punjab, where his legacy is still the subject of considerable debate. The recent wave of protests and incidents involving the display of his images and flags has reignited tensions, and both state governments are now under pressure to handle the situation carefully to avoid further escalation.
The issue highlights the broader concerns surrounding the growing influence of pro-Khalistani elements, especially in border areas. While the state government in Himachal Pradesh has been swift to act by registering an FIR and promising to address the matter, the situation calls for a delicate balance between respecting regional sentiments and maintaining law and order.
In the wake of these events, it remains to be seen how the two states will cooperate to resolve the issue, especially as both Punjab and Himachal Pradesh continue to deal with the complexities of managing cross-border relations and addressing the sentiments of their respective populations. The government of Himachal Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Sukhu, is expected to engage in discussions with Punjab’s leadership to ensure that such incidents do not escalate further and that peace prevails between the two states.
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