HRTC suspends 10 bus routes due to vandalism

Shimla: The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has suspended 10 bus routes to Hoshiarpur due to vandalism against its vehicles. This decision comes after posters of a slain militant leader, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, were pasted on HRTC buses in Punjab. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu mentioned that Punjab's Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, has promised to take strong action against those responsible. Sukhu highlighted the close relationship between Himachal and Punjab. He emphasized that visitors from Punjab are welcomed in Himachal. Discussions will take place between the Directors General of Police from both states to ensure the safety of HRTC buses. Passengers' safety is a top priority, and drivers and conductors have been told to be cautious. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri explained that recent incidents included a bus being plastered with posters in Hoshiarpur and attacks on buses traveling from Una and Palampur. On March 17, vandals broke windows of a Chandigarh-Hamirpur bus near Kharar. Passengers were moved to another bus, and a complaint was filed with the police. Agnihotri also linked the unrest to a recent fee for pilgrims in Manikaran. This fee, imposed in early 2024, has upset many from Punjab who feel it is unfair. However, he stated that displaying images of Sikh leaders is acceptable, but posters of Bhindranwale should not be forced on public property. Tensions have risen in Kullu district after local residents removed flags of Bhindranwale from pilgrims’ motorcycles earlier in March. This led to some pilgrims responding by pasting posters on buses. The Kullu police are investigating these incidents and have started actions against some individuals involved. Agnihotri is optimistic that coordination with Punjab will resolve the security concerns for HRTC buses soon.