Clash between tourists and drivers clouds Munnar’s image as safe destination

The communicative surrounding a caller clash betwixt tourists and taxi drivers astatine Munnar elevation presumption has shifted pursuing the circulation of a video footage connected societal media.

The incidental occurred connected January 19 astatine Pallivasal and progressive a radical of tourists from Karunagappally successful Kollam territory and section taxi drivers. The confrontation reportedly began erstwhile a tourer attempted to instrumentality photographs portion sitting connected the bonnet of a parked multi-utility conveyance (MUV). Local drivers objected to this, which escalated into a carnal altercation, leaving six radical injured.

Afterwards, the constabulary registered a lawsuit against 20 individuals and arrested 1 taxi driver. Initial reports indicated that the drivers had allegedly initiated the onslaught connected the tourists. However, a video that surfaced connected societal media connected Wednesday allegedly shows the tourists launching the attack. The footage besides allegedly shows Munnar Circle Inspector Vinod Kumar kicking Shiyas, a nonmigratory of Munnar Randam Mile, aft the constabulary arrived astatine the scene. Local residents person alleged that Mr. Vinod Kumar and a sub-inspector had assaulted them and claimed that the Circle Inspector is related to the tourists progressive successful the attack.

Denied allegations

The police, however, denied the allegations and maintained that the video circulating connected societal media was edited and released by the taxi drivers to mislead the public. The Special Branch has launched an probe into the incidental to ascertain the series of events and the authenticity of the footage.

The recurring clashes betwixt tourists and section drivers person raised concerns among tourism stakeholders successful Munnar, who fearfulness that specified incidents could harm the town’s representation arsenic a harmless tourer destination.

Dileep Pottankulam, president of Munnar Hotel and Resort Association, said that the elevation presumption remains 1 of the country’s premier tourer destinations and cautioned against branding Munnar arsenic unsafe based connected isolated incidents. “We cannot accidental Munnar is unsafe owed to these incidents. In caller cases, the constabulary person taken strict enactment against specified unpleasant incidents,” helium said.

“Tourism is the aboriginal of Munnar and the State, and the authorities indispensable guarantee a creaseless and welcoming ambiance for each visitors,” helium said.

G. Sojan, coordinator of My Munnar Movement, suggested that deeper issues could beryllium astatine play. “We fishy a conspiracy to tarnish the representation of Munnar and divert tourists to different destinations. Some visitors look to beryllium deliberately creating trouble,” helium said.

“While determination person been isolated incidents, definite groups are utilizing societal media to task Munnar arsenic unsafe. We judge determination whitethorn beryllium a hidden docket down specified narratives,” helium added.