Shillong, Sep 5:The Tourist Transporter Association of Assam (TTAA) has warned that Meghalayans alone will suffer if the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) proceeds with its agitation on September 16 to restrict tourist taxis from other states to enter tourist destinations in Khasi-Jaintia Hills.
The AKMTTA has had a long-term gripe against their brethren from Assam, claiming that the latter have too large a share in the business of taking tourists in Meghalaya around the sights. Assam not only provides a large number of visitors to Meghalaya but, as Guwahati is the entry point to the North East for most tourists from further afield, it is natural that they end up using Assam-registered tourist taxis when coming to Meghalaya.
The AKMTTA wants Assam taxis (and those from elsewhere) to be limited to bringing tourists to central locations like Shillong from where they can take local tourist taxis to places of interest. This would, the AKMTTA feels, spread the benefits of the tourism boom to its members.
The TTAA avoided making any direct threats in relation to the AKMTTA’s agitation but cautioned that it would have devastating consequences to Meghalaya’s tourism industry. “We condemn this unjustified and selfish demand of theirs (the AKMTTA) and as 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,” it said.
Such a ban in Meghalaya would hurt the state’s image and put visitors off from visiting. Tourist taxi operators in other states would be compelled to avoid Meghalaya altogether and this could lead to visitors choosing other North East states rather than Meghalaya. Beyond the TTAA, the United Body of Transporters from Assam has threatened to not only bar Meghalaya vehicles from travelling to Guwahati Airport or train station but also to effectively put an economic embargo on Meghalaya by not letting any trucks into or out of the state.
Such a ban by the AKMTTA will hurt regional solidarity and cause a collapse in the budding North East tourism circuit.
The AKMTTA has suggested that its suggestions are already being followed by Sikkim where outside taxis do not ferry passengers to all of the state’s tourist spots. However, the TTAA said that it is wrong to compare Meghalaya with Sikkim as the latter has had a completely different history to Meghalaya, has different protections under the Constitution and borders Bhutan, China and Nepal, making it extra sensitive.
“Meghalaya must develop its own inclusive tourism policy that respects legal permits and encourages regional cooperation, not isolation,” the TTAA stated.
Hiring a taxi from Assam Taxi operator is like approaching a eagle nest with carcass. The moment you approach them, countless drivers will surround you and each drivers will snatch your bags away and they’ll fight like parrots among themselves and you’ll be in a delima which taxi to take because all your luggage are in different taxies. If you go and ask your luggage back they’ll abush you. So much for the world most developing country. Every one is after money, money, money. They don’t have any basic human feelings.