As concerns grow over the possible impact on tourism following the murder of a tourist from Indore, Raja Raghuvanshi and the disappearance of his wife Sonam in Sohra, local hoteliers believe the immediate fallout may not be visible just yet.
The true impact will only be known in the weeks and months to come, they said.
Debashish Joel Ryan Shati, owner of the popular Orange Roots vegetarian restaurant in Sohra, stated, “We haven’t seen an immediate effect because this is still the peak tourist season. Most travelers have already booked their tickets and planned their itineraries. People are unlikely to cancel last-minute. We’ll have to wait and watch how this unfolds over time.”
He acknowledged that while tourists aren’t directly referencing media terms like “crime-prone hills,” safety-related questions have increased. “Visitors do ask about safety concerns. From our end, we try to reassure them. The matter is under investigation, and we believe our area remains safe.”
He said Sohra hosted solo female travelers from as far as China—some without even speaking English—with no untoward incidents.
“This is the first time something like this has happened, perhaps even in the entire Northeast. We need to thoroughly investigate and understand what exactly went wrong before drawing conclusions,” he said.
He also pointed to the growing problem of tourists relying blindly on Google Maps. “The Tyrna route to Nongriat is the most popular and safer path—it’s easier compared to the Mawlakhiat route, which involves navigating a dangerously steep cliff, almost like climbing a ladder. Many tourists don’t realize this and follow Google Maps without local guidance. We are in discussions with the district administration and village leaders to make it mandatory for tourists to be accompanied by local guides. This would help ensure everyone’s safety and protect all stakeholders involved.”
Acknowledging the lasting impact of the tragedy and the tag “crime prone hills”, Shati added, “This will leave a scar—it won’t fade quickly. But we must take visible, proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of every guest. Visitors need to see that this is a safe and welcoming place. Our people are warm and hospitable. We must go deep into the matter and not cast aspersions on the town or the state without full clarity.”
The caretaker of Sohra Plaza echoed a similar sentiment, stating that there has been no immediate impact. “There haven’t been any cancellations so far, and we’re still seeing walk-in guests. May, June, July, and October to December are high tourist seasons. So far, no tourist has asked whether it’s safe to visit,” the caretaker said.
While the full impact remains to be seen, stakeholders stress the importance of clear communication, responsible tourism practices, and collective efforts to uphold the region’s reputation as a safe and serene destination.
