Manali vs Leh Bike Associations - 15 bikes vandalized in Leh: Uproar in Manali, Biker Association blocked the highway | Manali-Leh News

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Dispute Between Manali Biker Union and Leh-Ladakh Bike Rental Cooperative Limited

Background

A heated dispute has arisen between the Manali Biker Union and the Leh-Ladakh Bike Rental Cooperative Limited. The conflict centers around bikers traveling from Manali to Leh, despite holding valid all-India permits. Let’s delve into the details.

The Situation

1. Vandalism in Leh:

   • Recently, bikes rented out to tourists in Leh were vandalized. This incident sparked outrage in Manali.
   • The Leh unions have been preventing bikers from Manali, who possess all India permits, from entering Leh.

2. Road Blockade:

   • In protest, the angry bikers’ association from Manali blocked the road near the four-lane bridge on the Manali-Leh National Highway.
   • As a result, traffic came to a complete standstill for approximately 10 minutes.
   • Long queues of vehicles formed on the Manali-Leh route, as well as the Manali-Kullu and Kullu-Manali Left Roads.
   • Even the roads leading to Hidimba Temple were affected.

3. Tourist Bikes Sabotaged:

   • According to the Manali Biker Association, 15 bikes rented by tourists from Manali were sabotaged shortly after crossing into Leh.
   • Allegedly, members of the Ladakh Bike Rental Cooperative Limited were responsible for the vandalism.
   • Surprisingly, no FIR (First Information Report) was registered in Leh regarding this incident.

4. Protest and Police Intervention:

   • In response, all bike operators from Manali gathered and staged a road blockade as a protest.
   • Protesters sat on the Manali-Leh road near the four-lane bridge.
   • The police promptly arrived at the scene and engaged with the protesters.
   • Assurances were given that an FIR would be filed in Leh, and legal action would be taken against vehicles entering Leh without proper permits.
   • Following this, the protesters withdrew from their dharna.

5. Administrative Talks:

   • The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Manali, Raman Kumar Sharma, and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) KD Sharma confirmed ongoing discussions between the Kullu administration and the Leh administration.

Conclusion

The dispute remains unresolved, with Leh unions maintaining their stance against bikers from Manali. Despite possessing valid permits, these bikers face obstacles when attempting to reach Leh. The situation highlights the need for cooperation and clear protocols between the two regions.