A passenger bus traveling from Delhi to Srinagar was allegedly attacked near Kurukshetra in Haryana on Saturday night, resulting in injuries to an elderly passenger. The incident drew swift condemnation from political leaders, with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah engaging the Haryana administration to demand strict legal consequences for the perpetrators.
According to the bus driver, identified as Waqar, the vehicle had stopped for a dinner break at a hotel past Karnal when a dispute erupted. Waqar stated that a group of men sitting in the parking area raised objections to the vehicle's presence. Shortly after parking, an individual allegedly shouted at the driver demanding he move the vehicle and used hostile language regarding its Jammu and Kashmir registration.
The situation quickly escalated into physical violence. The driver claimed that the assailant struck the front windshield and assaulted him directly. During the confrontation, the attackers reportedly smashed both the front and rear number plates of the bus while continuing to voice objections about vehicles from Jammu and Kashmir entering Haryana.
Waqar noted that the 40-seater sleeper bus was carrying 35 passengers, most of whom were outside the vehicle at the time of the assault. The attackers also allegedly issued severe threats, warning of arson and physical harm, while leaving the passengers shaken and demanding accountability for the hostile behavior.
Following the incident, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that his office coordinated directly with the Haryana government. He reported that the Haryana administration assured him prompt and stringent action would be taken under the law, emphasizing that the Jammu and Kashmir administration stands firmly with the affected travelers.
Earlier, Abdullah had publicly appealed to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and local law enforcement via social media to apprehend the culprits and prevent similar occurrences. The Bharatiya Janata Party also condemned the assault, with a party spokesperson calling for the strictest possible measures against those responsible and warning that such acts threaten efforts to integrate commerce and travel across regions.