A Jammu and Kashmir-registered sleeper bus travelling from Delhi to Srinagar was allegedly attacked with stones and bricks near Neelokheri in Haryana’s Karnal district, leaving an elderly Kashmiri passenger injured and several others frightened. Police have detained two men in connection with the incident and seized a car allegedly involved in the confrontation.
The incident took place on Saturday night near Divine Star Dhaba, where the bus had stopped during its journey. According to the driver and passengers, an argument over parking and giving way escalated into verbal abuse, threats and an attack on the vehicle.
The bus, operated by Star World Ventures, was carrying around 40 passengers. The attack shattered its windowpanes, sending broken glass into the passenger compartment and injuring an elderly passenger.
Driver Alleges Threats Against J&K-Registered Vehicles
Bus driver Waqar Chowdhary alleged that the confrontation began when a group of men objected to the vehicle being parked near the dhaba.
Speaking to News18, Chowdhary said the men abused him and called him a “terrorist”. He alleged that they also threatened to prevent 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 said.
According to the driver and passengers, four to five people later allegedly pelted the bus with bricks and stones, damaging its windows and rear lights. Some passengers were struck by flying glass, while an elderly man sustained injuries to his face.
Adil Bhat, the owner of Star World Ventures, alleged that the men left after the initial confrontation but returned on motorcycles and attacked the bus. He also claimed that the group returned a third time and threatened that vehicles registered in Jammu and Kashmir would not be allowed to operate in Haryana.
Passengers described the incident as frightening and demanded action against those responsible.
Police Detain Two Men, Seize Car
According to reports, Haryana Police have detained two men identified as Mohit and Sawan, residents of Karnal. Police have also seized a car allegedly linked to the incident.
A case was registered at Butana police station after the authorities received a complaint from the management of Divine Star Dhaba.
Police said the dispute began over parking and giving way and escalated into a confrontation and stone-pelting. According to the preliminary police account, both sides had consumed alcohol.
Police have also said that no evidence had emerged to establish a hate crime or hostility towards people from a particular state or region.
The investigation is underway.
Omar Abdullah Seeks Action Against Accused
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the incident and called for action against those responsible.
“This unfortunate incident should never have taken place. I hope the Haryana government led by @NayabSainiBJP ji & @police_haryana catch the culprits & take action to ensure these things don’t happen again,” Abdullah wrote on X.
The Chief Minister’s Office subsequently said the matter had been taken up with the Haryana government, which assured prompt and strict action in accordance with the law.
National Conference spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar also condemned the reported attack, describing it as an alleged hate crime.
“One elderly Kashmiri man injured in the attack, families left helpless and terrified. We condemn the murderous attack on innocent people and demand action against the perpetrators,” Dar said.
Peoples Democratic Party leader and MLA Waheed Para also called for accountability, expressing concern over allegations that the passengers had faced police action instead of the alleged attackers.
Mirwaiz, Other Leaders Condemn Attack
Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq expressed concern over the incident, saying an elderly passenger had been injured and others left traumatised. He urged the authorities to ensure the safety of Kashmiri travellers and take strict legal action against those responsible.
Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference president Sajad Lone also condemned the reported attack, describing it as violence against ordinary citizens.
“This is an incident of hate. A lunatic, drunk on hatred for Kashmiris, indulged in an act of violence against ordinary civilians,” Lone said, calling for those responsible to face legal consequences.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry also expressed concern over reports of threats against Jammu and Kashmir-registered vehicles.
“Such actions, if established, are unacceptable and warrant immediate intervention,” the organisation said, stressing that no one should be intimidated or restricted from travelling because of their regional identity or vehicle registration.
Passengers have demanded stern action against those responsible and called on the authorities to ensure that people travelling between Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country can do so safely.
