Sunil Chadha
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Assembly’s budget session saw heated discussions on Tuesday (March 18, 2025), with Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur raising concerns over the increasing activities of Khalistan supporters in the region.
The budget debate, which began on Tuesday, will continue until March 21, when Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will present his response.
Jai Ram Thakur alleged that HRTC buses and vehicles with Himachal Pradesh registration numbers were being targeted by Khalistan supporters, who were pasting Khalistan-related stickers and posters on them.
He also claimed that flags of Khalistani militant late Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale were being hoisted in public places and that violent incidents were occurring against those opposing such activities.
Khalistani posters on HRTC buses
The issue of HRTC buses being stopped in Punjab was raised prominently in the Assembly. Jai Ram Thakur stated that several buses travelling from Himachal to Punjab were being halted and Khalistan supporters were openly displaying Bhindranwale flags and brandishing swords.
“The situation is worsening. HRTC buses are being stopped in Punjab, Bhindranwale’s posters are being pasted on them and swords are being waved in public. The Himachal government must intervene,” Jai Ram asserted.
In response, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured the Assembly that he would take up the matter with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
“This is unfortunate. Several incidents of Himachal buses being stopped in Punjab have come to light. I will speak to the Punjab CM regarding this issue,” Sukhu said.
Concerns over safety of drivers, passengers
Concerns over safety have escalated after viral videos on social media showed individuals chanting pro-Khalistan slogans while placing Bhindranwale posters on HRTC buses. The fear among HRTC drivers and conductors has intensified, with many apprehensive about their security while travelling to Punjab.
The situation has been tense since last week when a group of devotees from Punjab, carrying posters and banners of Bhindranwale, arrived in Manikaran, Kullu. A heated argument ensued between these individuals and local residents, prompting an immediate response from the police.
Following this, Bhindranwale supporters allegedly began pasting posters on HRTC buses in Punjab.
Reports suggest that over the past two days, similar posters have been spotted on Himachal government buses at bus stands in Hoshiarpur and other parts of Punjab. The ongoing incidents have created a sense of fear among HRTC staff and passengers travelling on these routes.
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