Gypsy Association demands suspension of Garzia Chowki in-charge amid threat to halt services
NEW DELHI — A wave of anger and concern has taken over the gypsy driver community and locals after an unprovoked assault on Asif, a respected Muslim driver, by the Garzia Chowki in-charge in Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. The incident, which took place late Sunday, has threatened to disrupt the vital tourism services that support the region’s economy.
Asif, who was returning after taking tourists on a tour at the Sitavani tourist zone, was stopped by the outpost in-charge without any apparent reason. Eyewitnesses and Asif himself report that the officer, not wearing a uniform at the time, subjected Asif to a physical beating.
“They stopped me without any reason,” Asif told reporters. “I was just returning after dropping the tourists. The Garzia Chowki in-charge hit me, and I did not understand why. This kind of treatment is unacceptable.”
The news quickly spread among the gypsy driver community, the backbone of forest tourism in the area, leading to an immediate and strong reaction. Under the leadership of Gypsy Association President Jagdish Chhimwal, a large group of drivers gathered late on Sunday at Ramnagar Kotwali police station to demand swift and strict action against the accused officer.
“Our community is hurt and angry,” Chhimwal said. “We are the ones who make forest tourism possible. When such attacks happen without any reason, they not only harm the driver but also shake the entire tourism system. We demand the immediate suspension of the Garzia Chowki official. If the administration fails to act, we will have no choice but to stop tourism services.”
The gypsy drivers’ demands are not just about punishment but also about respect and safety. Many in the community feel targeted and believe that a lack of proper action from authorities could lead to wider unrest.
Locals have also expressed concern over the escalation of the dispute. “Tourism is the lifeline of this area,” said Meera Singh, a local shopkeeper. “We want a fair investigation, but we also want justice for Asif. No one should be beaten without reason.”
Despite growing tension, there has been no official statement from the police or local administration regarding the incident. This silence has only fuelled rumours and fears among the community, with some voices suggesting that the authorities might try to suppress the matter.
“We will not be silenced,” said Asif firmly. “Our voices must be heard, and justice must be served. We will continue our protest until action is taken.”
The Gypsy Association has issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding removal of the accused officer and initiation of an impartial inquiry. Failure to meet these demands will result in a total halt of gypsy vehicle services across the Corbett landscape, a move that could severely impact tourism revenue and local livelihoods.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions faced by Muslim gypsy drivers in the region, who often find themselves vulnerable to harassment despite their crucial role in supporting tourism and local economies.
‘This is not just about one incident,’ explained journalist Anwar Hussain, who has covered minority rights issues in Uttarakhand. ‘Muslim gypsy drivers have long faced challenges, from discrimination to unfair treatment. This assault is part of a larger pattern that needs urgent attention.’
As the situation develops, both the community and local people urge the administration to act transparently and swiftly, ensuring that justice is served and peace is restored.
The coming days will be crucial for the tourism-dependent region of Jim Corbett National Park, with the potential for wider unrest looming if the concerns of Asif and his fellow gypsy drivers are not addressed fairly.
