Shillong, June 24: Chief minister Conrad K Sangma has decided to approach the US authorities in India to seek immediate rectification of the recent travel advisory issued by the US asking its citizens to exercise caution while visiting Meghalaya and other North Eastern states.
Reacting to the advisory, the chief minister on Tuesday said he would meet with the US Ambassador through Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs to inform them that the notification is “absolutely incorrect” and request for immediate rectification.
“I hope they will be satisfied with that explanation and with the support and necessary coordination with the MEA, we should be able to rectify the wrong notification that has come up,” he said.
The US government recently issued an advisory asking its citizens to reconsider visiting Meghalalya and other North Eastern states due to terrorism and violence.
Expressing disappointment with media for asking questions what he believes irrelevant and perpetuate negative stereotypes about the state’s safety, he urged the media to become advocates for the state and its people, rather than “perpetuating negative narratives”.
Truth out Raja Raghuvanshi murder
Throwing light on the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, he expressed relief that the truth is finally out and appealed to the media not to prolong the matter unnecessarily.
“For me, the larger picture was the overall situation that unfolded. We are just happy as a state, as people, and even as a region that the truth has come out,” the chief minister said.
“Whoever is involved and whatever facts have emerged — based on that evidence, those who have been arrested are rightly arrested,” he said.
However, he refrained from discussing details of the ongoing investigation.
He emphasised that the incident should not cast a long shadow over Meghalaya’s image as a safe destination.
“What is important and clear is that the negative perception regarding safety in Meghalaya is laid to rest,” he said.
Appealing for media restraint, Sangma said, “By repeatedly asking questions and discussing this issue, we only keep the matter alive — and that is painful.”
Raja Raghuvanshi, a 29-year-old tourist from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, was killed on May 23, 2025, while on his honeymoon in Sohra.
Police have stated that his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, along with hired accomplices, is the main accused. Several arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
