Another instance of a confrontation between Himachal Pradesh locals and Punjabi tourists has emerged wherein a tourist engaged in conflict with a bus driver. As per reports, a group of tourists from Punjab visiting Kullu allegedly caused a ruckus on the Bhuntar-Manikaran Road by threatening a bus driver while brandishing a revolver.
The conflict began with an argument due to the narrow road conditions, where locals advised the tourists to back up their vehicle to ease traffic flow. The situation escalated when one of the tourists pulled out a revolver and advanced towards a bus driver, despite attempts from his companions and police personnel to calm him down.
The confrontation led to a traffic jam creating panic among bystanders. A video of the incident, showing the Punjab-registered vehicle’s number, has gone viral on social media. The police are currently investigating the matter to identify the involved tourists.
This follows a slew of incidents where Punjabi tourists have been attacked in Himachal Pradesh, which has raised concerns of an ethnic divide. Most notably, a Punjabi NRI couple was brutally beaten up by a mob in Himachal Pradesh. Similarly, a Punjab Police ASI was reportedly misbehaved with by some Himachali locals in Chamba district.
This incident raises further concerns as the rift between the Himachal-Punjabi brotherhood grows wider, with Punjabi fighting back against the allegedly ethnically motivated attacks. A car with Himachal Pradesh number plate was smashed up in Ropar, with the driver alleging that he was attacked by a group of locals. Three persons were arrested by the Ropar police in this case.