Sunil Chadha
The removal of flags bearing the photographs of pro-Khalistan militant late Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in Kullu in Himachal Pradesh has led to a ripple effect in Punjab and tensions between the two states.
Pro-Khalistan supporters have pasted posters of Bhindranwale on Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses in Punjab.
The pasting of Bhindranwale posters on HRTC buses comes in retaliation to police action taken against bikers from Punjab in Himachal Pradesh. Over the past two days, such posters have been spotted on HRTC buses parked at bus stands in Hoshiarpur and other parts of Punjab.
Posts showing the removal of flags and pasting of posters have gone viral on social media. The situation worsened as supporters raised slogans of ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ and openly warned that no HRTC bus should enter Punjab without a Bhindranwale poster.
This act of defiance has further strained relations between the two states, with concerns that the situation might spiral out of control.
Conflict sparked by violent clashes in Kullu
The controversy erupted around Holi when a large number of devotees from Punjab travelled to Manikaran Sahib gurdwara in Kullu district. However, their unruly behaviour, including reckless driving and road violations, led to conflicts with locals.
A clash occurred last week when a local resident was attacked with a sword, leading to public outrage. Following multiple complaints, the Kullu police launched a crackdown, issuing fines and filing multiple cases against miscreants.
This led to anger among Bhindranwale supporters in Punjab, prompting them to respond by putting up posters on HRTC buses and issuing veiled threats against Himachal authorities.
Legal action and rising political pressure
The issue has now reached the Himachal Pradesh Assembly where former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur urged the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government to take up the matter with Punjab authorities. He warned that if immediate steps were not taken, the situation could worsen.
The Kullu police have registered four cases related to the disturbances on February 15 and 16, 2025. Two cases were filed at the Manali and Manikaran police stations under various sections, including the Arms Act, Public Safety laws, and the Motor Vehicles Act.
The incidents included a Manali resident being allegedly threatened by two bikers carrying Bhindranwale flags; a Manikaran hotel owner reporting a violent altercation where Punjab bikers assaulted a driver with swords and sticks.
In Kullu, a group of 10-12 bikers allegedly abused and threatened a local after one of their motorcycles skidded. A video showing a scuffle between bikers from Punjab and staff at a barrier near Manikaran led to another police complaint.
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