Srinagar, Oct 18 (KNS): 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 concern over the safety of Kashmiri passengers and alleged threats against vehicles registered in J&K.

According to reports, the bus, carrying around 40 passengers, was stopped near a dhaba in Karnal late Saturday night, where 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.

In a statement, the KCCI said the reported attack and threats that J&K-registered vehicles would not be allowed to operate in Haryana were deeply disturbing. It said any such actions, if established, were unacceptable and required immediate intervention.

The Chamber said no individual or group should be allowed to intimidate passengers or restrict citizens’ movement on the basis of their regional identity or vehicle registration.

It urged the Haryana Government and police to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation, identify those responsible and initiate strict legal action.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe KCCI also called for a fair examination of reports regarding the detention of some passengers following the confrontation, stressing that the rights of all those involved must be protected.

The Chamber appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take up the matter with their counterparts and the Haryana administration to ensure a thorough investigation, accountability and adequate safeguards for Kashmiri passengers and transport operators travelling through other states.

Emphasising that the safety and dignity of every citizen must be protected irrespective of their place of origin, the KCCI said 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 called for justice and effective preventive measures to avert a recurrence of such incidents. (KNS)