Himachal Pradesh: Tourists cause flutter in Manikaran; pelt stones at houses; thrash people; probe on

Himachal Pradesh Police have began a search operation to nab the miscreants who created a ruckus at Manikaran by stoning on houses and assaulting locals.

Kullu (Himachal Pradesh):Tourists created a ruckus in Kullu's Manikaran, a popular tourist and religious destination, late on Sunday night. The tourists pelted stones at residences and vehicles breaking their glasses. Engaged in hooliganism, the tourists carrying flags also thrashed people coming on their way.

The tourists also forcefully entered an eatery at night and assaulted people there. According to police officials, a search is on to nab the accused tourists. According to eyewitnesses, tourists who is believed to have come from Punjab started screaming at the dead of the night.

We came out to check to find out who's causing ruckus. We saw them assaulting a few locals and throwing stones at houses. They also damaged a few vehicles parked on the road. This has sent a wave of panic among the locals, the eyewitness said explaining the attack.

Kullu Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma said tourists, apparently from Punjab created a ruckus at Manikaran by pelting stones at houses and damaging vehicles. They also allegedly assaulted a few locals. The police teams rushed to the spot on information, but the miscreants slipped away before police arrived.

We have launched a search operation to nab all the miscreants involved in the attack. The police teams are also examining the CCTV footage in the area. Based on the footage, action will be taken against the accused. We will also find out their objective behind creating a ruckus at a religious place, he added.

Earlier in the day, as many as 100 motorcyclists created a ruckus at the green tax barrier in Manali and refused to pay the tax. The tourists started raising slogans by parking their two-wheelers in the middle of the road. As the situation got out of control, Manali Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Surender Thakur rushed to the spot with police teams and brought the situation under control.