SHILLONG: Meghalaya Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira has stated that ongoing road blockades have caused a complete decline in tourist arrivals and severely impacted the state’s tourism industry.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Shira attributed the drop in tourist inflow directly to the blockade, stating, “There are no tourists coming in. How will they be able to come when the road is blocked?”
He noted that the issue had been discussed and resolved between the Chief Ministers of Meghalaya and Assam, and emphasized that there should be no further restrictions on vehicle movement between the two states.
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Shira called for free movement of Assam-registered vehicles into Meghalaya and vice versa.
The minister also confirmed that the Meghalaya government has agreed to compensate for damage caused to Assam vehicles during the unrest, but clarified that no compensation would be provided to hoteliers or homestay owners for business losses.
Appealing for the restoration of normal tourist movement, Shira urged Meghalaya residents to be mindful of the broader impact of their actions on relations with Assam.
“We must be very conscious and careful. Whatever action we take here will have a reaction in Assam,” he said, stressing the need to avoid actions that could further disrupt tourism and inter-state relations.
(4FrontMedia news)
