Guwahati: The Meghalaya government has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, at four prominent tourist attractions in the Sohra Civil Sub-Division following an intensifying dispute over their management and ownership.
The order, issued by Sohra Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mark A. Challam on August 4, comes after reports from the police and other credible sources indicated that tensions surrounding Weisawdong Falls, Dainthlen Falls, Mawasawa Falls and Arliang Riat View Point had escalated. The dispute involves the villages of Laitduh, Umlai, Mawphu and Laitlyndop under Hima Sohra.
According to the administration, there are concerns that the conflict could trigger clashes between the parties involved, disrupting public order, affecting tourist safety and creating law-and-order challenges in the Sohra Civil Sub-Division.
To prevent any untoward incidents, the district administration has suspended all tourism-related activities at the four sites and their surrounding approach roads with immediate effect. The restrictions include the entry of tourists and visitors, sightseeing, commercial tourism operations, and all other tourism activities.
The order further prohibits any individual, village authority, organisation or group from collecting entry fees, parking charges, user fees or any other payments from visitors unless specifically authorised by the competent authority.
As part of the restrictions, the assembly of five or more persons has also been banned. The prohibition, however, does not apply to officials of the civil administration, police, armed forces, emergency services or other government personnel performing official duties.
The administration has also barred the carrying, possession or display of weapons, including firearms, swords, spears, bows and arrows, sticks, iron rods, catapults, explosives and any object that could be used as a weapon. The exemption applies only to authorised government personnel acting in the discharge of their official responsibilities.
Officials warned that anyone violating the prohibitory orders would face legal action under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and other applicable laws.
Citing the urgency of the situation, the administration said the order was issued ex parte and has taken effect immediately. It will remain in force until further orders or until the authorities determine that the situation has normalised.