Manikaran Violence: Scuffle Breaks Out Between Locals & Tourists After Verbal Spat, Kullu SP Says

A few tourists reportedly created a ruckus at Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu. Himachal and Punjab police chiefs responded to the reports of violence advising people against spreading fake news.

Image used for representational purposes only | Several purported visuals were shared on social media where users claimed that tourists from Punjab visiting the Sri Manikaran Sahib created a ruckus and threw stones at houses there

Source : Getty Images

New Delhi: Himachal Pradesh Director general of police (DGP) Sanjay Kundu and his Punjab counterpart Gaurav Yadav on Monday responded to reports of violence at Gurudwara Sahib Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh. Both senior police officials advised people against spreading fake news while assuring that the situation was peaceful.

The statement comes as tourists reportedly created a ruckus at Manikaran in the Kullu district on Sunday night. Manikaran is a popular religious and tourist place.

The Tribune reported Kullu Superintendent of Police (SP) Sakshi Verma as saying that the police are collecting information about the miscreants and would take action based on it.

As per The Tribue, he said there was a scuffle between the locals and the tourists following a verbal spat. A few vehicles on the roadside were also damaged.

The SP said the situation is under control and there was no damage to the gurdwara, the report further mentioned.

Several purported visuals were shared on social media where users claimed that tourists from Punjab visiting the Sri Manikaran Sahib created a ruckus and threw stones at houses.

Unverified videos showed them assaulting a few locals, causing panic.

Himachal, Punjab DGPs Caution About 'Fake News'

"Do not fall prey to fake news and rumour-mongering. The DGP- HP Sanjay Kundu has spoken to DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav. All tourists and pilgrims are welcome to Himachal Pradesh," the Himachal Pradesh DGP Office informed in a statement

"Situation is totally peaceful in Manikaran Sahib & I urge people to maintain peace & harmony. I have spoken to Himachal DGP & Punjab Police are working together to maintain Law & Order. Request citizens not to panic or spread fake news or hate speech," the Punjab DGP's tweet read.

Pilgrims from all parts of the country are welcome to visit without any fear, the IPS officer added.