Bhubaneswar: The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday alleged that a series of recent incidents involving tourists and visitors at popular destinations reflected a deterioration in law and order in Odisha and raised concerns over tourist safety.
Addressing a presser on Friday, BJD spokesperson and media coordinator Lenin Mohanty cited the alleged assault on a young woman and her male companion at Kapilas in Dhenkanal district and the alleged attack on a tourist couple from Karnataka at a restaurant in Puri, saying such incidents could adversely affect the state’s tourism sector.
Mohanty alleged that tourist-related incidents had been occurring at regular intervals during the past two-and-a-half years of BJP rule and claimed that the government had failed to ensure adequate security at tourist destinations.
He referred to the alleged gang rape of a young woman at Gopalpur beach, saying the incident had drawn condemnation within and outside the country and prompted the United States to issue an advisory to its citizens regarding travel to Odisha.
According to the BJD, incidents were subsequently reported at places including Bali Harachandi, Dhauli and Rayagada despite assurances from the state government regarding tourist safety.
The party said the latest incidents at Kapilas and Puri had further highlighted the issue. It also cited the Puri couple’s reported statement that they would not return to Odisha, saying such incidents could damage the state’s image as a tourist destination.
The BJD claimed that tourist footfall in the state had declined by around 12 per cent, attributing the alleged fall partly to concerns over safety.
The party demanded that the state government take appropriate measures to strengthen security for tourists at popular destinations across Odisha.
