A viral video capturing a tourist inappropriately touching a foreign woman’s thigh on a street in Manali has triggered widespread condemnation online, raising significant concerns about the safety of women in the popular Himachal Pradesh tourist destination. The incident, which occurred as the foreign national was walking, was met with visible shock from the victim. While the video has circulated widely, authorities have indicated that no formal complaint has been lodged, and consequently, no action has been initiated by the police.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that local residents and individuals involved in the tourism sector have strongly denounced the behaviour. Budhi Prakash Thakur, a tourism entrepreneur, commented that such actions by a few individuals negatively impact the reputation of the entire community and the nation. He advocated for stringent legal action under provisions related to outraging a woman’s modesty. Another resident, Madan, emphasized the need for enhanced police presence throughout Manali to ensure law and order. He suggested that authorities should proactively address such instances of molestation, even in the absence of an official complaint, and take firm measures.
This incident is part of a recurring pattern of crimes reported against women tourists in Manali in recent years. Previous incidents include a 39-year-old Russian woman allegedly being sexually assaulted by a Singaporean national in August 2022. In October 2018, a 33-year-old Russian woman was reportedly gang-raped by two individuals, one of whom was a Nepali national. A 30-year-old Japanese woman was also reportedly raped by a taxi driver in May 2018. Earlier, in May 2016, an Israeli woman was allegedly gang-raped by six perpetrators, including three minors. In June 2013, an American tourist, then aged 31, was reportedly gang-raped by three Nepalese men in the town.
In light of these challenges, ensuring the safety of tourists has become a paramount concern for the state government. The Himachal Pradesh government has implemented a SHE Travel Policy, which encompasses features such as a dedicated SOS safety application, certification for safe accommodation facilities, and the deployment of on-ground female marshals. These initiatives aim to provide a more secure environment for all visitors, particularly women.
The Union Tourism Ministry has also been instrumental in bolstering tourist safety measures. It has operationalized a 24/7 multi-lingual tourist helpline, accessible via the toll-free number 1800111363 or the short code 1363. This service is available in 12 languages, including 10 international languages, to assist tourists from diverse backgrounds. Despite these provisions, a significant portion of visiting tourists remain unaware of the existence and availability of these helplines and related facilities.
Furthermore, the ministry has encouraged various states to adopt the ‘Safe Tourism Destination for Women’ initiative. This program, funded under the Nirbhaya Fund, aims to facilitate targeted infrastructure development and the implementation of safety projects specifically designed to protect women travelers. For high-footfall destinations like Manali, which often experience strains on local systems due to seasonal tourist influxes, adhering to these safety standards is critically important for fostering sustainable tourism growth that is also sensitive to gender-based security concerns. The continuous efforts to enhance safety infrastructure and awareness campaigns are crucial for maintaining Manali’s appeal as a premier tourist destination while safeguarding its visitors.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
