AiBotIn a disturbing trend that has left the international community aghast, a number of Indian nationals have reported facing rejection and discriminatory treatment while attempting to book stays at various hotels and resorts, dine at local restaurants, and relax at pubs in the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Despite their own government’s efforts to promote inclusive and multicultural tourism, these establishments have chosen to enforce strict entry restrictions on Indian nationals, citing ‘private society’ clauses as the reason.
Eyewitness accounts and social media posts have corroborated the disturbing reports, which first began emerging in early 2022. “I tried booking a room at the Himachal Hills Resort in Kullu, but the owner refused to accommodate us, saying that their society has a rule against having Indian guests,” said Rohit Kumar, a freelance writer from New Delhi. “We were asked to leave immediately.” Similar tales of woe have been recounted by tourists and locals alike, sparking widespread outrage and calls for action from human rights organizations and concerned citizens.
According to sources close to the matter, many of the affected establishments are private properties belonging to influential local residents, who claim to be protected by special ‘societies’ that exempt them from government regulations and public access. These societies, often formed by like-minded individuals to promote exclusive lifestyles and interests, wield considerable power and influence in their respective localities.
“It’s a discriminatory and xenophobic trend that undermines the core principles of hospitality and inclusivity,” declared Dr. Anuradha Kapur, a prominent social activist and tourism expert based in Himachal Pradesh. “Indian nationals, like anyone else, have the right to access these establishments without fear of rejection or harassment.” Dr. Kapur has led a petition drive calling for more stringent legislation to prevent such practices and promote a culture of respect and equality in the state’s tourism industry.
The Himachal Pradesh government has remained tight-lipped on the issue, thus far, with Tourism Minister, Rakesh Jamwal, merely stating that “the government respects the right of property owners to set their own guest policies, while also ensuring that all visitors are treated with dignity.” Critics have questioned the minister’s response, pointing out that it fails to address the underlying issues of discrimination and xenophobia that are at the heart of these incidents.
As the summer holiday season approaches, concerns about the safety and inclusivity of travelers are growing. Until the Himachal Pradesh government takes concrete steps to address these issues, the state’s reputation as a tourist destination may suffer irreparable damage.