Shillong, Sept 19: United Democratic Party (UDP) general secretary and MDC from Sohra Titosstarwell Chyne on Thursday said Sohra, being a popular tourist destination, has been severely affected by the indefinite strike called by the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxis Association (AKMTTA) against entry of tourist taxis from outside the state to Meghalaya’s tourist spots.
According to him, the area’s economy, which heavily relies on tourism, is facing significant losses due to the absence of tourists. Local businesses, including hotels, home stays, tea stalls, and restaurants, are also feeling the pinch.
The strike, which began recently, has resulted in the cancellation of tourist bookings and is affecting the livelihoods of people dependent on tourism in Sohra.
Speaking to reporters, Chyne said though the demands of the AKMTTA are genuine but the manner in which they are raising the issue would only further affect the tourist destinations in the state especially Sohra.
“(The people of) Sohra after the closing down of the Mawmluh Cherra Cement Ltd (MCCL), do not have any alternative but are totally depending (their livelihood) on tourism. A lot of individuals, groups and companies have started their own hotels, home stays by availing loans from different banks and government tourism agencies. So, if there is disturbance every time like this, it will not only affect this time but it will affect the future also because tourists will be fed up and feel that it is not safe to come to these tourist destinations as they will feel that there will be lots of trouble along the way. That is why as per information collected, all tourists have cancelled their bookings,” Chyne said adding “If this continues, it will not only affect the people who are directly involved with tourism but those doing small businesses in tourist spots such as tea stalls, dhabas and restaurants etc.”
The UDP leader has appealed to AKMTTA to come to the table for dialogue, welcoming the state government’s invitation for talks on September 23.
He also asserted the need for a clear policy to resolve the issue, citing examples from other states like Sikkim and Odisha, which have implemented effective policies to manage tourist taxis.
Chyne suggested that the transport department, along with other line departments, should be involved in finding a solution to the problem. He stressed that a clear policy or system is necessary to avoid such disputes in the future and to ensure the smooth operation of tourism in the state.
The MDC urged the state government to take serious note of the issue and ensure that any meeting with AKMTTA results in a commitment to resolve the problem.
According to him, a long-term solution is necessary to protect the interests of the local community and the tourism industry.
“If there is no clear policy, this problem will naturally arise. if you say Assam vehicles cannot enter Meghalaya then Assam also will say the same thing. That is why there is a big gap here so government should take a call,” he added.
