Shimla: The recent mosque dispute in Shimla has cast a shadow over the tourism sector in Himachal Pradesh. Local business owners are reporting a significant drop in tourism revenue over the past week due to the unrest stemming from the construction of an illegal mosque in Sanjauli and the subsequent protests by Hindu organizations.

The conflict has led to the closure of trade boards and widespread demonstrations across the state, intensifying concerns within the tourism industry. This period, which typically marks 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 canceled, and new bookings are scarce. Business owners are deeply worried about further financial losses if the situation persists and are urging the state government to swiftly resolve the dispute to restore normalcy and protect the tourism industry.

Ashwani Sood, a local travel agent, expressed frustration over the situation: “Ever since the mosque dispute started, bookings have been canceled. The negative response has been evident. There’s no doubt that the dispute has impacted business. While it’s challenging to quantify the exact losses, the effects are clear. We hope the government will act quickly to control the situation and improve the environment so that our families do not suffer further losses. Tourists should be able to enjoy their visit without concerns about safety. We’ve been receiving numerous messages and news reports about the unrest. The government needs to address this issue promptly to restore harmony and encourage tourism. We hope that once the dispute is resolved, tourism in areas like Palampur, Mandi, and Soni, which are currently seeing a rise, will continue to thrive.”

Mustak, a horse rider who has worked on the Ridge in Shimla for 35 years, voiced his concerns about the growing tension: “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 highlight an urgent need for intervention to stabilize the situation and support the tourism industry, which is crucial to the region’s economy.

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