In the wake of repeated attacks on Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses in Punjab, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Saturday announced that HRTC buses will no longer be parked in Punjab at night until the AAP-led Punjab Government ensures their safety. The decision comes after unidentified vandals smashed the windshields of four HRTC buses and scribbled pro-Khalistani slogans on others at the Amritsar bus stand on Friday night.
The targeted buses were scheduled to travel to Bilaspur, Dehra, and Una, while a Hamirpur-bound bus was defaced with slogans. This is not an isolated incident; similar attacks have been reported in recent weeks. On March 18, a Chandigarh-Hamirpur bus was attacked near Kharar, and earlier, a Jalandhar-Manali bus was pelted with stones and adorned with posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. HRTC staff, particularly drivers and conductors, have expressed growing concern over their safety.
Deputy CM Agnihotri, who also holds the Transport portfolio, said: “Until the Punjab Government assures us of the safety of our buses and passengers, HRTC buses will not be parked in Punjab at night. We may even suspend some routes.” He emphasized that HRTC is not involved in any disputes and condemned the targeting of state property.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has also raised the issue with his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann, seeking immediate action. “We are in continuous touch with the Punjab Government. The safety of our passengers and staff is our top priority,” Agnihotri added.
The attacks appear to be retaliation for recent actions in Himachal Pradesh, where authorities removed flags bearing Bhindranwale’s image from vehicles entering the state. This sparked discontent among certain groups in Punjab, leading to the vandalism of HRTC buses. Agnihotri clarified that the conflict began after an altercation over toll fees at the Manikaran Barrier in Kullu, where Punjab residents objected to the charges.
Punjab police have registered FIRs and made arrests in connection with the attacks. However, the Himachal Government has decided to escalate the matter to the Central Government, seeking a permanent solution to ensure the safety of its buses and passengers.
The suspension of night parking and potential route cancellations have disrupted travel for thousands of daily commuters, including students, workers, and tourists. The HRTC operates on 600 routes in Punjab, and the decision underscores the gravity of the situation.
Anti-Terrorist Front India’s national president Viresh Shandilya, condemning the attacks, called them an attempt to disturb peace. He announced plans to counter the vandalism by displaying Bharat Mata posters on Punjab Roadways buses in Shimla.
