Elderly Kashmiri Injured in Bus Attack in Haryana on October 17
A luxury bus traveling from Delhi to Srinagar was attacked in Haryana, injuring an elderly passenger, prompting widespread condemnation.
An elderly Kashmiri man was injured during a bus attack in Haryana.
The incident occurred on October 17 near Divine Star Dhaba, with reports of targeted violence.
Kashmiri politicians have called for action against the perpetrators.
On the night of October 17, an elderly Kashmiri passenger sustained injuries when a luxury bus traveling from Delhi to Srinagar was attacked in Haryana. The incident reportedly unfolded around 10:45 PM near Divine Star Dhaba, where the bus, operated by Star World Ventures, was targeted due to its Jammu and Kashmir registration number. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the attackers hurled bricks at the vehicle, causing significant damage to its windows and tail lights.
Social media has been flooded with videos depicting the aftermath of the attack, showing shattered windows and debris scattered inside the bus. The injured passenger was seen with blood on his face, highlighting the severity of the incident. The attack has raised serious concerns about the safety of Kashmiri travelers outside their home region, particularly in light of the alleged motivations behind the assault.
In response to the attack, several Kashmiri political leaders, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, expressed their outrage. Abdullah emphasized the need for the Haryana government to apprehend those responsible, stating, "This unfortunate incident should never have taken place. I hope the Haryana government catches the culprits and takes action to ensure these things don’t happen again." Similarly, PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra criticized the attack, linking it to a growing climate of hatred that endangers ordinary Kashmiris.
The circumstances surrounding the attack remain troubling, with reports suggesting that police may have targeted the passengers rather than the assailants. National Conference leader Imran Nabi Dar described the incident as a murderous attack on innocent individuals, calling for immediate action and arrests. The bus had reportedly stopped at Divine Star Dhaba when unidentified individuals began verbally abusing the driver before launching the assault.
As the investigation unfolds, the implications of this incident extend beyond the immediate harm caused. It raises critical questions about the safety of Kashmiri individuals traveling in other states and the broader societal issues of intolerance and violence. The incident has sparked a demand for heightened security measures and accountability from law enforcement agencies to protect vulnerable communities. The next steps will involve monitoring the response from Haryana authorities and any potential legal actions taken against the perpetrators.
