Guwahati: Six tourism and hospitality bodies in Meghalaya have condemned the violence and vandalism reported on August 19, in which vehicles from outside the state, including tourist taxis and buses, as well as pedestrians and bystanders, were allegedly attacked.
The joint statement was issued by the Tour Operators Association of Meghalaya (TOAM), Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum (MRTF), Tour Guides Association of Meghalaya (TGAM), Federation of Shillong Hotels (FOSH), Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum (MTDF), and Meghalaya Rural Tourism Cooperative Federation Ltd. (MRTCFL) following a meeting on Thursday.
“We fully respect the democratic right of individuals and organisations to express their grievances. However, protests must remain peaceful and must not be exploited by anti-social elements to create fear, violence or damage to public property,” the statement said.
The organisations said the incidents could affect Meghalaya’s tourism sector, with cancellations and concerns among visitors already being reported. They also referred to retaliatory developments in Assam, saying these were affecting tourism stakeholders as well as ordinary citizens dependent on inter-state travel.
“Meghalaya has worked hard to establish itself as a safe, welcoming and responsible tourism destination. The unfortunate incidents of yesterday have the potential to seriously damage this reputation and have far-reaching consequences for the tourism sector in the coming months. We are already witnessing cancellations and concerns among visitors, including retaliatory developments from Assam, affecting tourism stakeholders as well as ordinary citizens dependent on inter-state travel,” they said.
The organisations also called for a review of the security arrangements during the rally.
“We also believe that there is a need for a serious review of the security arrangements during yesterday’s rally. Since due permission had been granted by the government, it was expected that adequate police and district administration arrangements would be in place to maintain law and order. The visible acts of vandalism raise legitimate concerns about the effectiveness of these arrangements,” they said.
They said tourism supports the livelihoods of more than 30% of Meghalaya’s population, directly and indirectly, with a significant proportion of these livelihoods based in rural areas.
“Tourism today supports the livelihoods of more than 30% of Meghalaya’s population, directly and indirectly, with a significant proportion of these livelihoods based in rural areas. From homestays and local guides to drivers, artisans, restaurants and small businesses, thousands of families depend on a peaceful and stable tourism environment,” they said.
The organisations urged the government and law-enforcement agencies to identify those responsible for the violence and vandalism and take appropriate action in accordance with the law, while protecting the rights of peaceful protesters.
“We therefore urge the government and law-enforcement agencies to identify those responsible for the violence and vandalism and take appropriate action in accordance with the law, while protecting the rights of peaceful protesters,” the statement said.
They also appealed to organisations, communities and citizens to exercise restraint and avoid retaliation.
“At the same time, we appeal to all organisations, communities and citizens to exercise restraint and avoid any form of retaliation. Differences with the government can and should be addressed through dialogue, democratic engagement and peaceful means. Recent examples of peaceful youth-led movements in the country have demonstrated that dialogue and constructive engagement can achieve meaningful outcomes,” the statement said.
“We must not allow one day’s violence to undo years of work in building Meghalaya’s tourism reputation,” they added.