Shillong, May 28: Cabinet minister AL Hek has allayed apprehension about safety of tourists amid growing concern over disappearance of a tourist couple from Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
“There’s no threat to tourists. I visited Sohra today and saw many visitors enjoying the area safely. Stray incidents can happen anywhere,” Hek told reporters on Wednesday after reviewing ongoing search operations in the region.
Informing about the massive search operations launched for the couple, Hek said, “They are still untraceable. Police, magistrates, local communities—everyone is doing their best.”
To a query about seeking help from the Army, Hek said the matter has been taken up with senior officials including the SP, DC, and ADM, following appeals from BJP leaders in Madhya Pradesh who identified the couple as their relatives.
On any chance of foul play, the minister said, “It’s hard to say anything now. Their phones are switched off, and there are no leads.”
Terming the incident unfortunate, Hek asserted that tourism in the area has remained unaffected.
“Sohra is safe. The administration is alert, and all tourists I saw today were safe and comfortable,” he reiterated.
Meanwhile, authorities have continued to urge locals to assist in the search while officials have been closely monitoring the situation.
