The SGPC flays ‘anti-Sikh’ activity; both states will undertake DGP-level discussions to resolve the issue.
Following a slew of instances involving the damage of HRTC buses in Punjab and the alleged harassment of Sikh pilgrims in Himachal Pradesh, tensions between the two states have increased.
After criminals targeted and damaged the Himachal Road Transport Corporation’s (HRTC) buses in recent days, the two states took high-level action and banned ten routes to Punjab. Concurrently, Sikh organizations denounced alleged anti-Sikh actions in Himachal, where fights broke out over the presence of posters and banners featuring Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s picture on Punjabi tourists’ cars.
In response to worries expressed by Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu spoke about the matter in the state Assembly. Sukhu claimed that Bhagwant Mann, the chief minister of Punjab, had promised him that those behind the attacks on HRTC buses would face harsh punishment. He said, “We have agreed that DGP-level officers from both states will talk about the issue and choose a future plan of action to address it.”
The HRTC has suspended ten routes to Hoshiarpur, and FIRs have been filed for vandalism at Kharar and Sirhind, according to Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who is also the Transport Minister. In one instance, criminals broke the windows of a HRTC bus when it was stopped by a car on the Kharar flyover. Thankfully, none of the passengers suffered any injuries. Stones were thrown at a HRTC bus close to Sirhind in another incident. In both incidents, FIRs have been lodged, according to Agnihotri.
According to reports, a fight between Punjabi teenagers and Himachal Pradesh residents sparked the targeting of HRTC buses. The conflict started when Punjabi visitors traveling to Manikaran in Kullu district displayed flags and banners featuring the image of Bhindranwale on their motorcycles.
Locals, according to Agnihotri, respected the Nishan Sahib and other religious flags without any problems. “We hope the matter will be resolved amicably,” he added, adding that the CM should address the grievances of devotees regarding the entry fees paid on two-wheelers entering Manikaran.
According to Thakur, it is the duty of the government to guarantee the security of HRTC employees and travelers. Because of these incidents, people are afraid to visit Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. To address this issue, the administration needs to act decisively and work with the Punjab government,” he stated.
Sikh organizations have also condemned the situation. Harjinder Singh Dhami, the head of the SGPC, denounced the purported anti-Sikh actions in Himachal Pradesh and urged the state government to prosecute those involved. Dhami voiced alarm about allegations that Sikh pilgrims’ cars were being forced to remove Nishan Sahib flags. He declared, “Such incidents are not in the national interest.”
Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, officiating at Akal Takht, has instructed the SGPC to address the issue with the Himachal Government. Harnam Singh Khalsa Dhuma, the leader of Damdami Taksal, also insisted that the Himachal government punish those who mistreated Sikh pilgrims.
