Tourism business in Shimla hit after Sanjauli mosque row amid communal tension

Shimla: The recent mosque dispute in Shimla has significantly impacted the tourism sector in Himachal Pradesh.
Local business owners report a drop in tourism revenue in the city over the past week.
The conflict arose from the construction of an illegal mosque in Sanjauli and subsequent protests by Hindu organisations. This unrest has led to the closure of trade boards and widespread demonstrations across the state, exacerbating concerns among those in the tourism industry.
This period, typically marking the start of tourist influx after the rainy season and before the winter peak, has seen a marked decline in bookings. Many reservations are being cancelled, and new bookings are scarce. Business owners are deeply troubled, fearing further financial losses if the situation persists. They urge the state government to swiftly resolve the dispute to restore normalcy and protect the tourism industry.
Ashwani Sood, a local travel agent, expressed his frustration, stating, "Ever since the mosque dispute, bookings have been cancelled. The negative response has been palpable. There's no doubt that the dispute has impacted business. While it's challenging to quantify, the effects are evident. We hope that the government will act quickly to control the situation and improve the environment, so our families do not suffer further losses. We want tourists to enjoy their visit without concerns about safety. We've been receiving numerous messages and news reports about the situation. The government needs to address this issue promptly to restore harmony and encourage tourism. In places like Palampur, Mandi, and Soni, tourism is also on the rise, and we hope this trend continues once the dispute is resolved."
Mustak, a horse rider who has worked on the Ridge in Shimla for 35 years, voiced his concerns about the growing tension and said, "Himachal Pradesh is renowned for its peace and communal harmony, and such disputes are unprecedented in my experience. The problem seems to stem from vendors coming from outside who aren't properly registered. This situation has disrupted our work and led to a significant decline in business. Many local businesses, including ours, have come to a standstill. I've been in Shimla for decades, and we have always lived peacefully. The current unrest is a result of external factors and mismanagement. We need the state government to resolve this issue promptly so that local businesses can resume normal operations. Our horse and kothi businesses, along with the trade boards, are all suffering. We urge the government to address these concerns swiftly and restore order."
The ongoing tensions have drawn attention to an urgent need for intervention to stabilise the situation and support the tourism industry, which is crucial to the region's economy.