Sun Mar 23 11:41:04 UTC 2025: ## Himachal Buses Vandalized in Amritsar, Tensions Rise Between States

**AMRITSAR, INDIA (March 23, 2025)** — Four Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses were vandalized in Amritsar on Saturday, March 22nd, with their windshields smashed and pro-Khalistan slogans painted on them. The incident, which occurred while the buses were parked, follows similar attacks in recent days, escalating tensions between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.

According to police, an investigation is underway. HRTC Divisional Manager Raj Kumar Pathak confirmed that the damaged buses were scheduled to travel to Bilaspur, Dehra, and Una. He stated that the HRTC is in contact with its staff and has informed higher authorities.

This is the latest in a series of attacks targeting HRTC buses. A previous incident saw a bus damaged in Mohali’s Kharar. These incidents are linked to a dispute sparked by the removal of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale flags from the motorbikes of some Punjab youths by locals in Himachal Pradesh. In response, Dal Khalsa and Sikh Youth of Punjab activists retaliated by placing Bhindranwale images on HRTC and private buses in Hoshiarpur.

Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who also holds the Transport portfolio, announced that HRTC buses will no longer be parked overnight in Punjab until the state government guarantees their safety and that of passengers. He stated that some routes may even be suspended. Agnihotri emphasized that the HRTC is not involved in the dispute and that targeting state property is unacceptable. He added that FIRs are being filed and arrests made in Punjab.

The situation stems from an earlier altercation at the Manikaran Barrier in Kullu district over a fee imposed by the Special Area Development Authority on vehicles entering the area. The fee prompted objections from Punjab residents. HRTC employees are reportedly upset about the repeated attacks and are demanding better protection. On Wednesday, March 19th, the HRTC already suspended 10 routes in Punjab following an earlier attack. No passengers were injured in any of the incidents.

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