Demand for restriction on outside tourist cabs in tourist spots
Shillong, Sep 7: The Tourist Transporters’ Association of Assam (TTAA) has threatened to turn Meghalaya into a “zero tourist zone”, if Assam-registered vehicles are barred from plying to tourist spots in Meghalaya.
The united body of transporters from Assam resolved to suspend all operations to Meghalaya and impose similar restrictions on Meghalaya vehicles, “if All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTA) continues to restrict the entry of Assam-registered vehicles into key tourist destinations”.
The association also rejected the Sikkim example, often cited by AKMTA, saying Sikkim’s case is totally different due to special Constitutional provisions granted to the state and its sensitive international border.
“In such a scenario, Meghalaya-based vehicles will also not be permitted to pick up or drop guests at Guwahati Railway Station or Airport,” the Motor Paribahan Sanmilita Sewakarmi Mancha (Tourist Transporters’ Association of Assam) said in statement.
The association also threatened to block other essential service vehicles such as food/service trucks and petroleum tankers to Meghalaya.
“This reciprocal blockade will effectively turn Meghalaya into a zero-tourist zone, an outcome that is unacceptable and detrimental to all stakeholders,” TTAA said.
Terming AKMTA’s demand as unjustified and selfish, the TTAA said, “This demand has sparked debate as these Assam-registered tourist vehicles hold valid permits, including three-state tourist permits for Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, and some even possess all-India tourist permits and contribute a huge revenue to the state of Meghalaya. Legally, these cabs are authorised to ferry tourists to various destinations in Meghalaya.”
Stating that Constitutional provisions make Sikkim a special case, the TTAA said, “Sikkim is a unique case for Government of India due to its geographical location and strategic significance, being a border state with Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet (China).”
“Article 37 IF of the Indian Constitution provides special provisions for Sikkim, ensuring the protection of the rights of the indigenous people. Sikkim’s status as a protectorate of India in 1950 and its integration as an Indian state in 1975 further highlights its distinct position, making it incomparable to other states in India, including Meghalaya,” it said.
The association suggested that Meghalaya must develop its own inclusive tourism policy that respects legal permits and encourages regional cooperation, not isolation.
Expressing concern the any ban on Assam-based vehicles could lead to disruptions in tourism, similar to what happened in Jammu and Kashmir after the Pahalgam attack, it said, “Tourism thrives on peace, cooperation, and mutual respect, and any form of hostility or exclusion threatens not just business but regional harmony.”
The association also cautioned that disrupting one leg of the tourism circuit would destabilise the entire circuit, leading to mass cancellations and loss of livelihood for thousands.
The TTAA has urged the Meghalaya government to avoid making unilateral decisions that could jeopardise the region’s burgeoning tourism sector while stating “Meghalaya’s reputation as a welcoming destination would be damaged if tourists face hostility or logistical hurdles.”
The association also mentioned that Assam-based operators have consistently promoted Meghalaya at national and international platforms, and blocking their access would nullify years of investment and goodwill.
“Tour operators may reroute guests to alternate destinations, and Meghalaya’s tourism season could collapse, taking years to recover,” the TTAA said while asserting that exclusionary practices go against the spirit of North East solidarity and unity in diversity.
