Munish Sood
Mandi: Reckless behaviour by tourists from Punjab in Himachal Pradesh has once again come under scrutiny. The latest incident, captured on video, shows a biker misusing a fire extinguisher inside Tunnel-12 on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway, while another person records the act for social media content.
While the Mandi police have registered a case, residents said this was yet another example of how some tourists were treating the hill state’s infrastructure as their playground.
Mandi SP Sakshi Verma confirms incident
Mandi Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma confirmed that the viral video, which was filmed on March 14, depicted a group of bikers stopping inside Tunnel-12 near Aut in Mandi district and using a fire extinguisher without reason.
The act endangered other commuters and disrupted traffic inside the tunnel, she said.
The Aut police station has registered an FIR under Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and Sections 125, 324(3), and 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The police said strict action would be taken against the accused. They also warned that such reckless behaviour would not be tolerated.
Spree of lawlessness by Punjab tourists in Himachal
The fire extinguisher stunt is not an isolated event. A disturbing trend of traffic violations and unruly conduct by tourists from Punjab has been escalating across Himachal Pradesh.
Authorities have reported widespread violations of road safety norms, including riding motorcycles without helmets; installing huge flags on vehicles, which obstruct road visibility and posing safety risks; performing dangerous stunts for social media; rash driving and ignoring traffic laws.
Growing concern over large flags atop vehicles
The display of oversized flags on vehicles has become a major concern. While many of these flags hold religious or cultural significance, authorities have raised safety and law enforcement issues.
In March 2022, then Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur had addressed the problem, stating that while the state respects religious sentiments, certain flags linked to separatist movements would not be tolerated. The matter was taken up with Punjab authorities, urging them to control such behaviour.
In 2023, Manikaran clashes had vitiated peace in Kullu
Himachal Pradesh has already witnessed violent behaviour by tourists from Punjab. In March 2023, over 100 tourists created ruckus in Manikaran, vandalising properties, attacking locals and blocking the Chandigarh-Manali highway for over an hour.
The situation turned so volatile that the Himachal Pradesh High Court took suo moto cognisance, issuing notices to top officials and calling for stricter action against such lawlessness.
In response to the rising cases of reckless behaviour by tourists, the Himachal Pradesh Police have tightened enforcement.
Helmetless riders and over-speeding vehicles are being penalised, vehicles with oversized flags obstructing views are under strict monitoring, speed cameras have been installed on highways to track and fine rule-breakers while tourists performing dangerous stunts are facing immediate legal action.
Officials have made it clear that any act compromising public safety or damaging public property would face strict legal consequences. They have appealed to tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh to respect local laws, maintain discipline and travel responsibly.
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