Manali residents voice anger over flesh trade

Tribune News Service

Mandi, July 21

Concerned about the growing flesh trade in Manali, residents staged a protest in the town on Saturday.

The protest was led by Amar Singh, president of the Manali Vyapar Mandal, in which a large number of residents and hoteliers took part.

People said Manali was popular for it panoramic view but now, it had become notorious for flesh trade as it was flourishing in hotels of the town. The authorities concerned had failed to curb it, they said.

Gajender Thakur, president of the Hotelier Association, Manali, said there were complaints that flesh trade was flourishing at some hotels/guesthouses of the town. As a result tourists visiting the town targeted local women and that is why the residents were upset.

They later submitted a memorandum to the state government through the Tehsildar of Manali to curb the menace.

Shalini Agnihotri, Superintendent of Police, Kullu, said the police were already working towards curbing flesh trade. She asked the people and the president of the Manali Hoteliers association to inform the police if they found any such illegal activity going on in their vicinity. The SP said, “I have issued fresh direction regarding this and the police will keep a close watch over any such illegal activity in the region.”