Meghalaya Tourism Department Launches Helpline Amid Ongoing Unrest
Helpline Established for Tourists in Shillong
KSU protester vandalising vehicle in Meghalaya on Wednesday
Shillong, Aug 20: In response to the escalating law and order issues in Shillong, the Meghalaya Tourism Department has introduced a toll-free helpline for tourists seeking assistance. This initiative comes after violent incidents during a rally organized by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU).
The department announced via social media that visitors requiring help can reach out to the Tourism Toll-Free Helpline at 1800-599-2026, emphasizing the need for safety amid the unrest.
The recent turmoil in Shillong has been marked by reports of stone-pelting, vandalism, and attacks on drivers and passengers, prompting significant concern from key players in the tourism industry.
A coalition of tourism stakeholders, including the Tour Operators Association of Meghalaya and the Federation of Shillong Hotels, issued a statement urging that protests remain peaceful. They acknowledged the right to protest but condemned any actions that could lead to violence or damage to property.
Particularly alarming was the targeting of vehicles from outside Meghalaya, which the stakeholders warned could tarnish the state's reputation as a safe tourist destination. They noted that cancellations and apprehensions among visitors are already surfacing, alongside retaliatory actions from Assam affecting inter-state travel.
The stakeholders have called on the government to take decisive action against those responsible for the violence.
Additionally, the unrest has spilled over into Assam, where taxi and commercial vehicle operators have blocked routes to Meghalaya in protest against the targeting of Assam-registered vehicles during the disturbances.
KSU Leaders in Custody
In related developments, three senior leaders of the KSU have been placed in judicial custody for 14 days following their arrest linked to the violence. KSU president Raymond Kharjana, vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet, and general secretary Reuben Najiar were taken into custody after the rally, facing charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for their alleged involvement in assaults and property damage.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem reported multiple injuries resulting from the violence, with incidents of stone-pelting and vandalism targeting both government and private vehicles. Notably, busts of Swami Vivekananda and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose were also damaged during the unrest.
The KSU rally was part of a broader agitation addressing a five-point charter of demands, which includes calls for the implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act and reforms in recruitment processes.