'Move it, Terrorist!': Kashmir-bound Bus Attacked in Haryana's Karnal
A bus traveling from Delhi to Srinagar was attacked in Haryana's Karnal district. J&K CMO has demanded strict action from the Haryana government.
A journey from Delhi to Srinagar turned into a nightmare for passengers and crew when a Kashmir bound bus attack took place in the Karnal district of Haryana. The incident, fueled by hatred over the vehicle's registration, has sparked a diplomatic row between the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Haryana government.
The Attack at Nilokheri
The incident unfolded on Sunday when a 40-seater sleeper bus, carrying 35 passengers, stopped for a dinner break at Hotel Divine Star in Nilokheri, located just past Karnal. While approximately 80 percent of the passengers had already stepped off the bus to eat, a group of youths targeted the vehicle.
According to the driver, the attackers were seated in a car bearing a Haryana registration number in the parking area. Almost immediately after the bus was parked, the hostility began.
"Barely a minute after I parked, one of them shouted at me, ‘Hey terrorist, move this vehicle out of here!’" the driver recounted.
Targeted for the Number Plate
The driver alleged that there was no prior dispute or conversation before the violence erupted. When he questioned the attackers, he was told that vehicles from Jammu and Kashmir would not be permitted to park there.
The situation quickly escalated as one of the attackers struck the front windshield and barged into the bus to assault the driver. In an act of targeted vandalism, the attacker reportedly broke off the rear number plate and took it away, shouting that J&K vehicles were not welcome in Haryana.
Threats of Violence
The driver described the scene as "sheer hooliganism," noting that the attackers issued terrifying threats. The group allegedly threatened to shoot the occupants and set the bus on fire. The driver expressed relief that most passengers were outside the vehicle at the time, fearing that lives could have been lost had the bus been full.
"We all travel on these roads, their vehicles come to our side as well. Such incidents only ruin the atmosphere on both sides," the driver added, calling for justice and an end to such hatred.
J&K Government Demands Action
The Office of the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir has officially taken up the matter with the Haryana government. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the CMO expressed deep concern for the safety and well-being of the passengers involved in the "unfortunate incident."
The J&K Government stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and stands in solidarity with the affected passengers.
In response, the Haryana administration has provided assurances that prompt and stringent legal action will be taken against the perpetrators. Despite the ordeal, the bus eventually continued its journey, reaching Jammu and proceeding toward its final destination in Srinagar.