Sun Nov 09 18:35:26 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The Luxury Bus Owners’ Association Kerala State committee has announced the suspension of all inter-State tourist bus services from Kerala to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, starting November 10, 2025, at 6 p.m. This decision stems from alleged harassment by Tamil Nadu and Karnataka authorities, including heavy fines, unlawful taxes, and vehicle seizures, despite valid All India Tourist Permits (AITP). The association claims the situation has become unsafe and untenable for operators and passengers, forcing the suspension for safety reasons. The Kerala government had previously refrained from retaliatory measures, hoping for a cooperative resolution.

News Article:

Kerala Tourist Bus Services to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Halted Amidst Alleged Harassment

Kochi, November 10, 2025 – Inter-State tourist bus services from Kerala to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka will be suspended indefinitely, beginning at 6 p.m. today. The announcement came from the Luxury Bus Owners’ Association Kerala State committee, citing escalating harassment by authorities in the neighboring states.

According to Association State president A.J. Rijas and general secretary Maneesh Sasidharan, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have been levying exorbitant fines, imposing unlawful state-level taxes, and even seizing Kerala-registered tourist buses, despite the vehicles possessing valid All India Tourist Permits (AITP).

“Despite holding valid AITPs, tourist vehicles from Kerala are being stopped, fined, and detained in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka,” stated the association in a press release. They further alleged that Tamil Nadu authorities have been collecting taxes arbitrarily from Kerala-registered vehicles for over a year.

The association emphasized that the Kerala government had initially taken a conciliatory approach, avoiding retaliatory actions in hopes of a collaborative solution. However, the continued “high-handed enforcement” has made it “untenable and unsafe” for operators, drivers, and passengers.

“This suspension is not a voluntary protest,” the statement clarified, “but a compelled action taken for the safety of our vehicles, drivers, and, most importantly, our passengers.”

The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear when services will resume. Passengers planning to travel between Kerala and Tamil Nadu or Karnataka via tourist bus are advised to seek alternative transportation arrangements.

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