An elderly Kashmiri passenger was injured after unidentified persons allegedly pelted stones and bricks at a Srinagar-bound bus near Kurukshetra in Haryana, prompting Jammu and Kashmir political leaders to call for action against those responsible.
The bus, operated by Star World Ventures, was travelling towards Srinagar and had stopped near Divine Star Dhaba in Karnal around 10:30 pm when the incident took place. Around 40 passengers were reportedly aboard the vehicle.
A video purportedly showing the damaged bus and passengers describing the incident has also surfaced. In the video, a person alleges that the driver was assaulted, the bus windows were smashed with bricks and threats were issued against J&K-registered vehicles.
The person also questions the police action, alleging that some passengers were taken into custody following the confrontation.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the incident as unfortunate and urged the Haryana government and police to identify those responsible and take action.
“This unfortunate incident should never have taken place. I hope the Haryana government led by @NayabSainiBJP ji & @police_haryana catch the culprits & take action to ensure these things don’t happen again,” Omar Abdullah wrote on X.
This unfortunate incident should never have taken place. I hope the Haryana government lead by @NayabSainiBJP ji & @police_haryana catch the culprits & take action to ensure these things don’t happen again.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) October 18, 2026
In a subsequent update, the Chief Minister’s Office said the matter had been taken up with the Haryana government, conveying concern over the safety and well-being of the passengers. “The Haryana administration has assured prompt and stringent action in accordance with the law,” the CMO said, adding that the J&K Government stood with the affected passengers and was closely monitoring the situation.
National Conference spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar also condemned the incident, describing it as an alleged hate crime.
PDP leader Waheed Parra also condemned the incident. “A Delhi–Srinagar sleeper bus was attacked with bricks in Kurukshetra while passengers slept. An elderly Kashmiri was left bleeding. Disturbingly, reports suggest police targeted passengers instead of the attackers,” Parra wrote on X.
“Hate is making ordinary Kashmiris unsafe. We demand arrests and accountability,” he added, tagging Haryana Police and other authorities.
Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) Jammu and Kashmir president Vivek Bali also condemned the alleged attack on Kashmiri passengers, expressing concern that such incidents could undermine the country’s image of diversity, unity and hospitality.
Expressing deep concern over the incident, Vivek Bali said that such acts of violence against innocent passengers are unacceptable and must be dealt with firmly under the law. He expressed solidarity with the injured elderly man and the affected families, who were reportedly left frightened and helpless following the attack.
Vivek Bali stated that no innocent citizen should have to fear for their safety because of their regional identity or background. He urged the Haryana authorities to conduct a fair and impartial investigation, identify all those responsible, and take strict legal action against the perpetrators.
He further appealed to the authorities to ensure the safety and security of Kashmiri people travelling across the country and to take effective measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
“Violence and hatred have no place in a democratic society. The safety, dignity and constitutional rights of every citizen must be protected. We demand justice for the injured passenger and accountability for those responsible,” Vivek Bali said.
