The Biz Reporter
Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has strongly condemned the reported attack on a Jammu and Kashmir-registered passenger bus travelling from Delhi to Srinagar in Haryana, expressing serious concern over the safety of Kashmiri passengers and alleged threats against vehicles registered in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to reports, the bus, carrying around 40 passengers, was halted near a dhaba in Karnal late Saturday night when a group of men allegedly assaulted the driver and pelted the vehicle with stones and bricks, smashing its windows. An elderly Kashmiri passenger was reportedly injured in the incident.
The Chamber said the reported attack and threats that Jammu and Kashmir-registered vehicles would not be allowed to operate in Haryana were deeply disturbing. Such actions, if established, are unacceptable and warrant immediate intervention. No individual or group should be permitted to intimidate passengers or restrict the movement of citizens on the basis of their regional identity or vehicle registration.
The KCCI urged the Haryana Government and police to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation, identify those responsible and initiate strict legal action. It also called for a fair examination of the reported detention of some passengers following the confrontation and urged the authorities to ensure that the rights of all those involved are protected.
The Chamber appealed to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Mr Omar Abdullah to take up the matter with their counterparts and the Haryana administration to ensure a thorough investigation, strict action against those responsible, and adequate safeguards for the safety of Kashmiri passengers and transport operators travelling through other states.
The KCCI emphasised that the safety and dignity of every citizen must be protected, irrespective of their place of origin. Incidents of this nature risk undermining public confidence in inter-state travel and the values of unity, mutual respect and brotherhood.
The Chamber expressed solidarity with the affected passengers and urged the authorities to ensure justice and take effective preventive measures to avert any recurrence.
