Our Bureau
Chandigarh
A bus carrying Kashmiri passengers to Srinagar was allegedly attacked with stones in Haryana’s Karnal district late Saturday night, leaving an elderly passenger and a roadside eatery employee injured. The incident has triggered condemnation from political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, who have demanded strict action against those responsible and raised concerns over the safety of Kashmiri travellers.
The incident took place around 11.30 pm on October 17 at the parking area of Divine Star Dhaba in Karnal. According to police, the bus was travelling from Delhi to Srinagar when a dispute involving a car and the bus escalated into a confrontation. Two men allegedly pelted the vehicle with stones, damaging its windowpanes and seats.
Inspector General of Police, Karnal Range, Ashwin Shenvi, said the two men had arrived at the location in a car and allegedly struck the bus while manoeuvring their vehicle. A verbal altercation subsequently escalated into a physical confrontation, with some passengers and eatery employees also joining the dispute. Police said an FIR had been registered and both men were rounded up for questioning. The bus resumed its journey to Srinagar around 1.30 am.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the incident and said his office had taken up the matter with the Haryana government. He said the Haryana administration had assured prompt and stringent action in accordance with the law.
The incident has renewed concerns over the treatment and security of Kashmiri people travelling outside Jammu and Kashmir.