Chandigarh, March 5: Tensions have escalated between political leaders in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab following public remarks made by a Himachal legislator concerning visitors from neighboring states. Anuradha Rana, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Himachal Pradesh, recently declared that the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Lahaul-Spiti has been directed to take firm action against individuals she described as “mischievous elements” causing disturbances in the district.
The statement has drawn a sharp response from BJP Punjab spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal, who questioned whether travelers from Punjab were being unfairly targeted. Baliawal maintained that the language used by the MLA was derogatory toward Punjabis visiting the hill state. He asserted that following these directives, thousands of individuals traveling from Punjab have been issued traffic fines and challans in what he described as a targeted enforcement campaign.
“Are you also a ‘naughty element’?” Baliawal questioned in a direct response to the MLA’s post. He further stated that the characterization of visitors in such a manner is disrespectful to the people of Punjab who contribute to the region’s tourism.
The original directive from Rana affirmed that a Quick Response Team (QRT) has been established to monitor conduct in Lahaul-Spiti. While the MLA stated that tourists remain welcome, she maintained that those spreading litter or disrupting the peace would face strict legal consequences.
Baliawal declared that the Himachal government should focus on hospitality rather than penalizing visitors based on their state of origin. He noted that the sudden surge in challans suggests a systemic bias following the political rhetoric issued by the local leadership.
