Kashmir-Bound Bus Attacked Near Ludhiana, Second Incident in Two Days
A passenger bus traveling from Delhi to Srinagar was targeted by stone pelters near Ludhiana, raising safety concerns for Kashmir-bound travelers.
A 40-seater bus was attacked with stones near Ludhiana, damaging windows and frightening passengers.
This incident marks the second attack on Kashmir-bound buses within two days, following a similar attack in Haryana.
Political leaders and student associations have condemned the attacks and called for immediate action against the perpetrators.
In a troubling incident that has heightened concerns for the safety of Kashmir-bound travelers, a passenger bus was attacked with stones near Ludhiana, Punjab, late last night. The 40-seater sleeper bus, operated by Star World Ventures, was en route from Delhi to Srinagar when it was targeted around 11 PM. The attack resulted in significant damage to the bus's glass panes, causing panic among the passengers, which included women, children, and the elderly.
This incident is the second of its kind in just two days, following a previous attack on a similar bus in Haryana. On Saturday evening, another Star World Ventures bus was pelted with stones near Divine Star Dhaba in Kurukshetra, leading to injuries among passengers. The driver of the bus, Ishfaq Ahmad, expressed his distress over the repeated attacks, questioning the safety of traveling on these routes.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the bus was struck by stones at multiple points, intensifying the fear among those onboard. Ishfaq Ahmad stated, "Is it a sin to travel on this road?" highlighting the emotional toll such violence takes on innocent travelers. The Haryana police had detained two individuals in connection with the earlier attack, which they claimed stemmed from a parking dispute, a narrative that has been contested by the bus drivers involved.
Political reactions have been swift, with leaders from various parties condemning the attacks. Imran Nabi Dar, a spokesperson for the National Conference, criticized the growing hostility towards Kashmiris and called for stringent action against those responsible. He questioned whether the handling of the earlier incident in Haryana had emboldened further acts of violence in Punjab. Similarly, Nasir Khuehami from the J&K Students Association urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the safety of Kashmiri travelers across the country.
The repeated targeting of Kashmir-bound vehicles raises serious concerns about the safety and security of passengers from the region. As political leaders and civil society groups call for accountability, the need for protective measures for travelers has never been more urgent. The situation remains tense, and further developments are anticipated as authorities respond to these alarming incidents.
