Northeast Desk, 27th July: In response to recent disruptions caused by the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF), Meghalaya tour operators have criticized the state government for allowing pressure groups to impede tourism. On July 26, HNYF members halted and turned away several Assam-registered vehicles en route to Sohra and Dawki, leading to significant cancellations and financial losses in the tourism sector.
The affected tour operators, including the Tour Operators Association of Meghalaya (TOAM), Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum (MRTF), and other key stakeholders, reported that 30 percent of accommodation bookings were canceled due to the incident. They anticipate an additional 50 percent cancellation of tours and activities as news of the disruption spreads.
For weeks, pressure groups in Meghalaya’s Khasi and Jaintia Hills have been conducting unauthorized document checks of migrant workers and tourists, leading to the expulsion of over 2,500 laborers. They have also established border checkpoints to verify entry documents, further complicating travel for tourists.
In a joint statement, the tour operators condemned these actions, emphasizing the negative impact on the state’s tourism industry. “We strongly condemn the unfortunate incident where tourists and travelers were illegally stopped from proceeding to popular destinations,” the statement read. “The recent events have severely affected our industry, built over years of hard work.”
The tour operators expressed shock at the perceived lawlessness in Shillong, criticizing local NGOs and pressure groups for their unchecked authority. They highlighted that such incidents not only harm tourism but also lead to adverse advisories from foreign governments, such as the recent US Government warning against travel to Meghalaya.
The operators called for legal action against those responsible for the disruptions and extended apologies to affected tourists. They urged visitors to continue their plans to explore Meghalaya, assuring them of the state’s hospitality and commitment to restoring normalcy.
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