Tourists Seek Safe Passage out of Meghalaya Amidst Conflict
GUWAHATI: The conflict between the states of Assam and Meghalaya that started in the early hours of November 22 has caused major problems for the tourists in the region.
With the weather gradually cooling down and the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival just around the corner, the state already had a large number of tourists distributed over different popular destinations like Cherrapunji, Jowai and Shillong. And along with these tourists are a large number of vehicles with Assam registrations in the state of Meghalaya.
But after a vehicle was torched near the capital by miscreants in the state, drivers are now afraid to take out vehicles Travel agents, tour operators and drivers of commercial vehicles which operate on the route are now worried for their life and vehicles. Thus leaving a huge number of tourists stranded across the state.
Thousands of tourists including foreigners and Non-Resident Indians came to visit the state to celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival. The video of a foreign tourist stuck in Jorabat because his vehicle was stopped by police came forward on Tuesday evening. Operators across the state are working to evacuate their tourists and prevent any further hassle for them. Seng Kutsnem is celebrated today in the state, so the tourists are planning to make a safe exit while the festivities are still on in the state.
Some of the tourists stuck in the state have hired local vehicles to return to the state border in Jorabat. They complained about the exorbitant prices being charged by the local drivers. The trip which usually costs a maximum of Rs 500, is not being charged at Rs 2000.
A reliable source told The Sentinel that upon request by several parties, the local police have decided to add escorts to tourist vehicles from Assam in certain parts of the state. This is aimed to prevent any more escalations, especially in interior places of the state which have popular tourist destinations.
Meanwhile, several commercial vehicle drivers decided to stop commercial vehicles with Meghalaya registrations today morning. They also threatened to take severe action on their counterparts from the neighbouring state if any untoward incidents are reported from Meghalaya. They have also mentioned that they had put their complaints to the authorities and Meghalaya Police but no one paid any heed to their calls.
Since the Cherry Blossom Festival was about to be organised with a long schedule this year, a lot of tourists, the majority of whom are from Assam, had made their bookings in hotels and events. No information has been given about any refund yet. Last year's event left a sour taste for many visitors as a clash between locals and Meghalaya Police led to the injury of several people.
Latest reports say that trucks have also been stopped at the Karimgang to prevent any further damages.
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