Himachal Pradesh, Mar 28:
In view of the Punjab-based tourist’s murder in Bhagsunag near Dharamshala, stakeholders have called
for increased vigil in the region as it heads towards the busy season.
Representatives from the Hotel and Restaurant Association Dharamshala, Taxi Union Mcleodganj,
Adventure and Tour Operators Association Dharamshala and other pertinent bodies met to discuss the
security issues and will convey their concerns and suggestions to the district and police administration.
One of the major concerns highlighted by the representative was the lack of CCTV cameras at
Bhagsunag parking and along the route to the namesake temple, despite it being a prominent tourist
destination.
They also condemned the incident. Last week, a tourist from Punjab’s Phagwara was beaten to death at
a coffee shop in Bhagsunag near Dharamshala. He was beaten to death by a mob of locals, including the
coffee shop owner.
Hotel and Restaurant Association president Ashwani Bamba emphasised on the need to ensure security
of the tourists, especially from neighbouring states, who he described as the backbone of the economy of
Dharamshala. “It’s our duty to extend due courtesies and cooperation to the visiting tourist and under no
circumstances; we should resort to assault and violence. It’s our duty to isolate such elements and create
an atmosphere where the tourist feels safe and secure,” he said.
