Shimla, Mar 19 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh government has decided to suspend ten routes of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) to Punjab due to escalating security concerns and tensions over a fee imposed on two-wheelers in Kullu district, disclosed Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri in the state Assembly on Wednesday.

He said that HRTC buses will remain off these routes until the situation improves.

The security issue arose after incidents where HRTC buses were stopped, pro-Khalistani posters were placed on them, and bus windows were broken by youth groups in Punjab, particularly in Kharar, Sirhind and Hoshiarpur.

Agnihotri confirmed that cases had been registered in these areas and that HRTC officials have been in constant contact with the Punjab Police to ensure the safety of the buses. He assured the assembly that wherever posters were forcibly put up, they were removed by HRTC drivers and conductors.

The situation has caught the attention of both state governments.

Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu reported that he spoke with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who assured that full security would be provided to HRTC buses.

Sukhu further said that discussions are ongoing at the Director General of Police (DGP) level, emphasizing that a small group of youths is behind these acts, and efforts are underway to resolve the matter.

Another point of contention involves a fee imposed on two-wheelers in Kullu district, which has caused unrest among Punjab-based passengers travelling to Manikaran.

Agnihotri explained that Punjab passengers are demanding the removal of this fee, claiming it is unprecedented elsewhere in India. They argue that if a fee is charged for vehicles from Punjab, two-wheelers from Himachal Pradesh entering Punjab should also face a similar charge.

He has urged CM Sukhu to intervene in the matter.

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur also raised concerns in the assembly, highlighting the ongoing vandalism and lawlessness. He cited reports of armed Sikh extremists halting HRTC buses and further exacerbating tensions along the Himachal-Punjab border.

Sukhu assured that the Punjab government would take firm action against the hooligans and would not allow lawlessness to prevail.

The situation remains tense, with both governments working to restore order and protect the safety of passengers and transport operations.

UNI ML SS