Editor,
The impromptu stopping of vehicles by members of HNYF coming from Assam carrying with them tourists who visit Sohra, Pynursla, Mawlynnong, Dawki and many other places was a wrong move. Moreover, they forgot that there are many of us from the State who travel for various purposes to Guwahati and elsewhere across Assam and to disallow visitors from traveling in an AS registration commercial car is not done. It violates the Constitutional rights of a citizen under Article 19(1)(d) of the Constitution.
Now the trouble here is the indecisiveness of the State government to share in public domain the State Tourism Policy and to address the growing unemployment, however not all in this sector can always be successful entrepreneurs. There has to be a mutually agreed mechanism from Assam and Meghalaya over the matter.
Adopting the Sikkim model is also not feasible but tourist vehicles from Assam can always stop at the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) or at pre-designated points within the periphery of Shillong, for example, at Lad Smit for those going towards Jaintia Hills and at 7th Mile ground, Upper Shillong (which lies unused) for ferrying tourists to any destination in West or South West or East Khasi Hills.
If these pre-designated points could be used, it will help our local tourist vehicles to take over the rest of the journey safely, happily and comfortably with our guests. Athi Devo Bhava translates “Guest is our god”. Let this spirit prevail in our society.
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong
