HRTC Bus Services Halted on 10 Routes in Punjab Following Attacks
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Himachal Road Transport Corporation has halted services on ten routes in Punjab after miscreants attacked two of its buses. The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh assured that strict action will be taken against those responsible, and police protection will be provided to HRTC buses.
Key Takeaways
- HRTC suspended bus services on 10 routes.
- Two buses were attacked by miscreants.
- Chief Minister assured action against offenders.
- Police security will be provided for HRTC buses.
- Monitoring officials deployed at major bus terminals.
Shimla, March 19 (NationPress) The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), which is state-run, has decided to suspend bus operations on at least 10 routes in Punjab after two of its buses sustained damage due to attacks by miscreants over the course of two days.
Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Sukhu, informed the Assembly that he had a conversation with his Punjab counterpart, Bhagwant Maan, who guaranteed strict measures against the offenders. “A DGP-level officer will be assigned to address this situation,” the Chief Minister stated, mentioning that police protection would be arranged for public transport buses if required.
Previously, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who oversees the Transport portfolio, mentioned in the House that the government was coordinating with the Punjab government and local administration regarding the incidents. “The state has assigned officials from the corporation to all major bus terminals in Punjab to oversee the situation,” he added.
He explained that individuals in a vehicle without a license plate in Kharar had intercepted an HRTC bus and shattered its windows on Tuesday. “An FIR (First Information Report) has been filed at the Kharar police station, and the Senior Superintendent of Police of Mohali has assured that our buses will receive security,” he mentioned.
The day before, a comparable incident took place near Sirhind, where masked assailants threw stones at an HRTC bus. These attacks on HRTC buses arise amidst controversy regarding the display of flags featuring images of the slain militant preacher Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale on a vehicle belonging to a tourist from Punjab in Himachal's resort area of Manali, which drew criticism from locals.
In response to the locals reportedly damaging the flags bearing Bhindranwale's image, Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj condemned the actions, stating that such treatment “will not be tolerated” and urged the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh to preserve communal harmony.
