HRTC Bus Attacked Near Sirhind, Security to Be Increased for Punjab Routes
CM in the assembly and the corporation bus going from Chamba to Delhi.
Shimla, March 19: In another alarming incident, a Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus was attacked near Sirhind, a town in Punjab, just hours after a similar attack took place in Kharar. This latest incident, which targeted the HRTC bus traveling from Chamba to Delhi, saw the bus’s windows shattered, although fortunately, no passengers were injured. The attack occurred late at night, but details of the incident only surfaced on the afternoon of March 19. This incident follows a troubling pattern of stone-pelting attacks on Himachal Pradesh buses traveling through Punjab, raising concerns about the safety of passengers and escalating tensions between the two states.
The attack near Sirhind is the second such incident in just two days, following the attack on an HRTC bus in Kharar the previous evening. Both attacks have sparked widespread concern, with many citizens of Himachal Pradesh expressing their unease over the growing sense of insecurity. The incident has garnered significant attention on social media, where posts are circulating that suggest further threats targeting Himachal’s Himsuta buses. These posts, some of which include screenshots of alleged threats, are fanning the flames of public anger, creating an atmosphere of fear among the people of Himachal.
The ongoing attacks on buses have now become a major political issue, with opposition parties calling on the Himachal Pradesh government to take immediate action. They have demanded that the state government raise the issue with the Punjab government at the highest levels, seeking assurances that these attacks will not continue. Opposition leaders have called for stricter measures to ensure the safety of passengers, including enhanced security and swift action against the perpetrators.
Political Leaders React
In response to the growing concerns, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu addressed the issue in the state assembly, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peaceful relations between Himachal and Punjab. “Punjab is our elder brother, and the mutual cooperation and cordial relations between the two states are essential for the welfare of both. We will soon hold a meeting between the Director Generals of Police (DGP) of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to discuss the security arrangements for our buses,” Sukhu said.
The Himachal Chief Minister also confirmed that after the attack in Kharar, he had personally spoken to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging him to take swift action. Only after this conversation did the police in Punjab register a case concerning the stone-pelting incident in Kharar.
Punjab’s Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, in response, expressed deep concern over the recent spate of stone-pelting incidents targeting Himachal buses and the subsequent unrest they have caused. Mann assured the people of Himachal Pradesh that his government would take strict action against those responsible for the attacks. “The safety of all passengers traveling within Punjab is our utmost priority, and we will not tolerate such acts of violence,” he stated.
Mann’s commitment to addressing the issue was welcomed, but the tension remains palpable as residents of Himachal Pradesh demand concrete steps to prevent further escalation. The issue has become more sensitive due to the recent rise of inflammatory posts on social media, which some fear could incite further unrest.
Government’s Stance and Security Measures
Chief Minister Sukhu also made it clear that Himachal Pradesh firmly respects all religions and religious leaders, but he stressed that no group or individual could be allowed to disrupt peace or create a volatile atmosphere. “We will not tolerate any attempts to disturb the peace, and the state government will take legal action against those responsible for any activities that contribute to unrest,” Sukhu asserted.
The attacks on HRTC buses, which are often the primary mode of transportation for Himachali people traveling to and from Punjab, have led to growing fear among passengers. The continued targeting of these buses raises serious questions about the safety of public transportation in the region. If the situation does not improve soon, there are concerns that bus services between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab could be significantly disrupted, causing inconvenience to thousands of passengers who rely on these services daily.
The Himachal Pradesh government has made it clear that it will not tolerate any form of violence or attempts to create instability. Security agencies in both states are now working together to monitor the situation closely. Intelligence agencies have also been tasked with investigating individuals who are spreading inflammatory messages on social media, which could be contributing to the unrest.
Looking Ahead
While authorities are hopeful that the heightened cooperation between the police forces of both states will lead to swift resolutions, the political ramifications of these incidents are likely to persist for some time. As tensions between the two neighboring states continue to mount, both governments are under pressure to ensure the safety of their citizens and restore peace along the vital transport routes that connect them.
The Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has announced that it will be increasing security measures for its buses traveling through Punjab, in light of the recent attacks. This could include more frequent patrols, the deployment of additional security personnel, and enhanced surveillance to protect passengers and deter further attacks.
However, as both state governments continue to address this situation, the primary concern remains the safety and security of the passengers. With the eyes of both the public and the political leadership on them, it is now imperative that both Punjab and Himachal Pradesh work together to prevent further incidents and ensure that these disturbing attacks are brought to a swift and permanent halt.
The coming days will likely determine whether these efforts will be enough to restore public confidence in the safety of travel between the two states.
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