Tourism in Shimla hit by Sanjauli mosque dispute

The recent mosque dispute in Shimla has severely impacted the tourism sector in Himachal Pradesh. Local business owners report a 20 to 25 percent drop in tourism revenue in the city over the past week. The conflict arose from the construction of an illegal mosque in Sanjauli, which led to protests by Hindu organizations, resulting in widespread demonstrations and business closures across the state.

This period typically marks the beginning of tourist influx after the rainy season and before the winter peak, but now bookings have significantly declined. Many reservations are being cancelled, and new bookings are sparse. Business owners are deeply worried about further financial losses if the situation continues.

A local travel agent, Ashwani Sood, expressed his frustration, saying, “Since the mosque dispute began, bookings have been cancelled. The negative impact on business is undeniable. We hope the government will act quickly to resolve this issue and prevent further losses.”

Sood and other business owners have urged the state government to swiftly resolve the dispute to restore normalcy in the tourism industry, which plays a crucial role in the region’s economy.

Tourism in other parts of Himachal Pradesh, such as Palampur, Mandi, and Soni, has been growing, but the unrest in Shimla has caused a sharp decline.

Mustak, a horse rider who has been working at the Ridge in Shimla for 35 years, voiced his concerns about the growing tension. “Himachal Pradesh is known for its peace and communal harmony, but this dispute is unprecedented in my experience,” he said.

He also pointed out that many vendors from outside the area aren’t properly registered, which has contributed to the tension. This has disrupted the local economy, causing a standstill in many businesses, including his own.

Local businesses are calling for immediate government action to restore order and prevent further damage to the tourism sector. The ongoing tensions have highlighted the urgent need for intervention to stabilize the situation and protect the region’s economy.