SHILLONG: Meghalaya Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira on Wednesday said the state’s tourism sector suffered losses of nearly 100 per cent during the recent Assam-Meghalaya dispute, as falling tourist arrivals and restrictions on vehicle movement affected hotels, homestays and other tourism-dependent businesses.
Speaking on the second day of the Meghalaya Assembly session, Shira said tourist arrivals declined sharply following the dispute, while road blockades and restrictions on vehicle movement directly affected businesses dependent on tourism.
He said the issue had since been resolved following discussions between the Chief Ministers of Assam and Meghalaya and there was no need for further blockades or restrictions on vehicle movement between the two states.
Shira said the Meghalaya government would compensate owners of Assam-registered vehicles damaged during the dispute.
He stressed the need to restore normal movement between the neighbouring states, saying taxi operators and other vehicles from Assam should be allowed to travel to Meghalaya and Meghalaya vehicles should similarly be allowed to move freely in Assam.
The minister cautioned that further shutdowns or blockades could aggravate the situation despite the resolution reached by the two state governments.
He urged people to remain calm and consider the long-term consequences of their actions, saying the government’s immediate focus was on restoring normalcy, rebuilding tourist confidence and ensuring uninterrupted movement between Assam and Meghalaya.
