Transporters Outraged After Attack on Kashmir Bus in Kurukshetra

Kurukshetra, October 18 (Daily Kiran) : Transporters in Kashmir are expressing significant outrage following an attack on a sleeper bus traveling to Kashmir in Kurukshetra, Haryana. Mir Mohammad Shafi, president of the Kashmir Transporters Federation, condemned the incident and called on the government to conduct a thorough investigation, take strict action against the perpetrators, provide compensation for the victims, and ensure the safety of transport operators.

Shafi emphasized that this attack was not just on a single bus, but represented a broader assault on the entire transport community in Kashmir. He criticized Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s social media response as insufficient, insisting that tangible and actionable measures are necessary.

In a conversation with reporters, Shafi recounted his immediate response upon hearing the news. He reached out to Imran Bakshi, president of the Kashmir Bus and Sleeper Bus Association, who was visibly distressed and unable to sleep that night. The entire team was deeply troubled by the news.

Shafi raised pointed questions to the Haryana and central governments, asking, “Can Kashmiris no longer work freely? Why are vehicles from Jammu and Kashmir being targeted?” He highlighted a troubling double standard, stating that if such an incident had occurred in Kashmir, they would likely be imprisoned under the Public Safety Act. He noted that no FIR had been filed against the individual who brandished a firearm and attacked the bus.

He expressed concern for the community’s spirit, recalling that even during difficult times, drivers from outside ventured to Kashmir without incident. “We have maintained brotherhood,” he said, warning that if such attacks continue, it could jeopardize this spirit. He urged that silence on these issues could lead to further violence against others.

The Federation has appealed to the Haryana government, the central government, the Home Minister, and the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to intervene. Shafi demanded clarity on what happened and insisted that the government would be responsible for any consequences if justice was not served.

He also raised concerns about passenger safety, stating, “If stones are thrown at our vehicles, who will want to ride with us? Our livelihood depends on this.” Shafi called for unity among all transport organizations, whether from Delhi, Haryana, or Jammu, urging them to stand together on this issue.

Additionally, he requested proper compensation for those injured in the attack and for damages incurred to the bus.