Bhindranwale posters raise law and order concerns in Himachal

Jai Ram Thakur, the Leader of the Opposition in Himachal Pradesh, raised concerns about law and order during a recent Budget session. He criticized the government for not addressing incidents involving posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale being displayed on Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses traveling to Punjab. Thakur reported that young people from neighboring states have been causing disturbances in Himachal. He mentioned that last week, tourists from Punjab came to Manikaran in Kullu with Bhindranwale posters. There were altercations with local police after this group argued with officers. The police took down these flags to prevent further conflicts. Thakur claimed there were also reports of young people waving swords. The former chief minister called for current Chief Minister Sukhu to discuss the situation with Punjab's Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann. He expressed concern that the actions of these youth were creating tension and threatening the peace of Himachal Pradesh. In response to the situation, the Managing Director of HRTC, Nipun Jindal, stated that a complaint had been filed with the Hoshiarpur police about the posters placed on a bus. Meanwhile, CM Sukhu described the events as unfortunate and confirmed he would speak with the Punjab CM. Reports indicate that two cases have been filed, one in Manali and another in Manikaran, following a confrontation where local residents asked Punjab youths to remove a Bhindranwale flag. PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh called the incidents regrettable and emphasized the negative impact on the state's identity and public trust. He noted similar issues occurred under the previous BJP government, hinting at ongoing tensions regarding such displays.