Tourists assault hotel owner in Kasol, vandalise property

Another shocking incident of tourist misconduct has emerged from Kasol in Manikaran Valley, where a hotel owner was assaulted by intoxicated visitors. The incident occurred around 11.30 pm when a group of drunk tourists from Punjab forcefully entered Hotel Kamal Palace and demanded food. When the hotel operator, Dev, informed them that the kitchen was closed, they became furious and attacked him. The assailants also vandalised the hotel, causing significant property damage.

Upon receiving the information, a team from Dunkhra police station arrived at the scene and arrested the attackers. This is not an isolated case of tourists disrupting peace in Himachal Pradesh. Recently, an eatery owner in Mandi was fired upon by bike-riding tourists. In another incident, visitors damaged a fire extinguisher to create social media reels in the Atal Tunnel. Videos of such hooliganism have been circulating widely, raising concerns among locals.

Some people have also displayed controversial flags and engaged in confrontations with residents. The people of Himachal, known for their hospitality, are increasingly disturbed by such incidents. They fear that if strict measures are not taken, the sanctity of Devbhoomi will be tarnished.

Residents are demanding that the government take immediate and strict action to curb such incidents. They insist that hotel operator Dev should get justice and that authorities should implement measures to prevent the recurrence of such acts. Additionally, police have also registered cases against locals involved in recent clashes with tourists. Action has been taken against individuals accused of spreading communal hatred on social media. Activists have strongly opposed any separatist movements being encouraged in the region.

Locals stress that while visitors and pilgrims are always welcome, acts of intoxicated violence and hooliganism cannot be tolerated. Reports of tourists carrying weapons such as guns, swords, knives, and sticks have further fueled concerns.

The rising lawlessness among certain visitors has led to an outcry for stricter regulations and police monitoring. Residents urge authorities to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of both locals and responsible tourists, preserving the peace and sanctity of Himachal Pradesh.