Viral Manali clash sparks tourist safety concerns

A video of a violent altercation between a hotel owner and a group of tourists in Manali has gone viral, sparking public outrage and renewed concerns about tourist safety in the hill station. The footage shows a man physically assaulting both men and women tourists, prompting calls for immediate action.

Initially, the tourists involved did not file a formal complaint. However, Kullu SP Karthikeyan Gokulchandran later confirmed that a written complaint has now been received. “An FIR will be registered after a thorough investigation,” he stated.

The incident has drawn attention to the lack of structured conflict resolution mechanisms in tourist-heavy areas like Manali, which experiences a significant influx of visitors during peak seasons. In response, authorities are considering the creation of a 24x7 helpline to assist tourists in distress and resolve disputes quickly.

Meanwhile, voices within the hospitality industry stress the need for balanced accountability. Hotel owners say their concerns are often overlooked and that tourists can sometimes act aggressively or ignore local customs.

In a separate but related incident, tourists from Haryana alleged that they were assaulted near Mission Hospital Parking in Manali during a parking dispute. These events underscore the urgent need for better coordination among tourists, locals, and authorities to preserve Manali’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination. — OC