Have got clues, vandals to be caught soon: Kharar police

Punjab CM Mann assures Sukhu of safety of buses, promises strict action against miscreants

- Nikhil Sharma

SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh Transport Corporation (HRTC) indefinitely suspended services on 10 routes to Punjab after two of its buses were vandalized in Hoshiarpur and Mohali over the past two days even as chief minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu spoke to his counterpart Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday.

"As a preventive measure, we have suspended services on 10 routes to Punjab. We will resume services only after the situation becomes normal. We are in touch with Punjab authorities. Punjab is our big brother and we will resolve the issue amicably," deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri said in a statement in the Himachal Pradesh assembly.

HRTC buses ply on 100 routes in Punjab. The suspension of services on 10 routes comes after HRTC buses were targeted by radical Sikh elements following a recent face-off over the display of flags with militant preacher Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale's photo on motorcycles of tourists from Punjab in Manali. Dal Khalsa activists stopped HRTC buses coming from Himachal Pradesh and other vehicles with an HP registration number and pasted photos of Bhindranwale on them two days ago.

Addressing the Himachal Pradesh assembly, Sukhu said, "I have spoken to the Punjab CM and he has assured me safety of the buses. He has also said that strict action will be taken against the miscreants involved in these incidents (of vandalism)."

"DGP-level officers will discuss to take action on the issue," Sukhu said, adding that police security will be provided to the buses if required. Agnihotri, who holds the transport portfolio, said, "Drivers and conductors have been instructed to stay alert. Safety of passengers and staff is our priority."