Shillong, Dec 29: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has urged the state government to frame special guidelines for tourists visiting religious sites in the state.
The appeal comes in response to a recent incident involving a social media influencer allegedly disrespecting religious sentiment at Epiphany Church in Mawlynnong. The HYC described the act as a deliberate attempt to incite communal tension in the state.
The pressure group urged the government and stakeholders, particularly those in the tourism sector, to take such incidents seriously.
They emphasised the need for immediate action to create awareness among tourists about respecting the sentiment of local communities, regardless of their faith or beliefs.
The HYC proposed that clear guidelines outlining the dos and don’ts for tourists visiting various sites, particularly places of religious importance, should be established.
The HYC also urged the state police to conduct a swift investigation into the matter and ensure the offender is brought to justice.
“An example should be set by the law enforcement agencies so that such acts are not repeated in the future. No one should have the audacity to disrespect the Christian religion in the state,” it said.
They also emphasised the importance of safeguarding the sanctity of religious sites and urged authorities to address the issue with urgency to maintain communal harmony in the state.
