Dipender Manta
Tribune News Service
Kullu, July 28
The gang rape of a 25-year-old Israeli woman tourist on the outskirts of Manali town on Sunday has put a question mark over the safety of women tourists, especially foreigners, who invariably come alone to visit Kullu.
The occurrence of repeated offence against foreign tourists has left hoteliers and other associated with the hospitality sector a worried lot. It was not too long ago in 2013 that Manali had hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons when as American national was gangraped.
Hoteliers said even then there had been a drastic fall in the number of foreign tourists visiting Kullu and Manali.
They apprehended that the latest rape could against have negative fallout for the entire tourism industry.
Anup Thakur, president, Hoteliers Association, Kullu-Manali, has expressed concern over the incident and demanded strict punishment for the accused involved in the crime. “Such incidents not only impact the tourism industry but also bring a bad name to the area and district,” he said.
Balbir Thakur, a travel agent, said the latest incident would adversely impact the influx of tourists to the valley, which was already witnessing reduced tourist arrival.
Inspector General of Police, Mandi, Range Ajay Kumar Yadav said the accused committed the crime near Gojra, on outskirts of Manali town, and later dumped the victim.
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