NARAYANGADH: Bad news for tourists, who are flocking to Chitwan National Park (CNP) in Sauraha. They have been deprived of the thrills of elephant safari — one of the main attractions — after hotel owners were forced to suspend the service on Tuesday.

Hotel and Restaurant Workers' Organisation, affiliated to Unified CPN-Maoist, are responsible for the suspension. Mahouts and their helpers are on strike since yesterday, demanding hike in monthly salaries. At present, mahouts and helpers receive Rs 3,300-Rs 4,500 per month. While, the demand is for Rs 8,000 a month.

Around 100 tourists come to CNP daily to enjoy the elephant safari. Of the 67 hotels in Sauraha, a majority of them offer elephant rides.

Haribhakta Ghimire, president, Regional Hotel Entrepreneurs' Organisation, Sauraha, said that the service had to be suspended due to the Maoists' intervention.

Members of Unified CPN-Maoist's district committee insisted that the stand-off involved the hotel owners and employees.