The attack shattered the vehicle’s windows, sending broken glass flying inside the passenger compartment. Several passengers sustained injuries.
Passengers travelling in a Delhi-Srinagar sleeper bus bearing a Jammu and Kashmir registration number were left frightened after the vehicle was allegedly attacked with bricks by a group of people in Haryana’s Karnal area, damaging the bus and leaving some passengers injured.
The incident, reported in the Karnal-Kurukshetra region near Neelokheri, has triggered a political uproar, with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and leaders of several political parties expressing concern and seeking action against those responsible.
The News18 team reached the bus and spoke to passengers and the driver, who described the incident as a terrifying experience.
According to the passengers and the driver, the trouble began near the ‘Divine Star’ dhaba in Neelokheri following an argument over giving way in the parking area. What initially appeared to be a verbal dispute allegedly escalated when a group of people began abusing and verbally harassing those travelling in the bus.
Passengers alleged that some of the people involved appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and allegedly used abusive language, including calling the passengers and driver “terrorists”.
The situation soon turned violent, with four to five people allegedly pelting the bus with bricks. The attack shattered the vehicle’s windows, sending broken glass flying inside the passenger compartment. Several passengers were reportedly hit by the shattered glass and sustained injuries.
‘JK-Number Buses Would Not Be Allowed‘
Speaking exclusively to News18, bus driver Waqar Chowdhary alleged that the attackers also threatened to stop Jammu and Kashmir-registered buses from operating on the route.
“They were saying that they would not allow JK-number buses to ply on this route,” Chowdhary alleged, adding that he was also called a “terrorist”.
Passengers said there was complete chaos inside the bus as the attack unfolded and that fear gripped those travelling in the vehicle.
They said the incident should not be viewed merely as a dispute between individuals and expressed concern over what they described as attempts to spread hatred against Kashmiris.
The passengers stressed that Kashmiris are an equal part of the country and urged people not to allow isolated incidents to be used to target an entire community or region.
Passengers Demand Stern Action
The passengers have demanded stern action by Haryana Police against those responsible for the attack, saying that the perpetrators must be identified and brought to justice.
They also urged the authorities to ensure the safety of passengers travelling between Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country, and said that such incidents should not become a means of maligning Kashmir and Kashmiris.
The passengers said that disagreements may occur anywhere, but violence, threats and alleged hate-filled abuse against people because of their place of origin cannot be justified.
What Did Police Say
According to the preliminary police account, the dispute reportedly began over parking and giving way near the dhaba before escalating into a confrontation and stone-pelting. Police have said that both sides had consumed alcohol.
The incident took place near the ‘Divine Star’ dhaba in the Neelokheri area. Police from Butana police station are investigating the matter, while the names of two people from Unispur village have reportedly emerged during the probe.
The bus suffered extensive damage, including shattered window panes and damage to its rear lights. A senior Kashmiri passenger was also reported to have sustained injuries.
Political Reaction
The incident has prompted strong reactions in Jammu and Kashmir, with CM Abdullah expressing concern and seeking strict action against those responsible.
Several political leaders have also called on the Haryana government and police to take action and ensure that those behind the attack are brought to justice.