Shillong, Nov 13: The Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) on Thursday strongly objected to the use of the name ‘Barapani’ instead of ‘Umiam’ for the proposed Taj Resort in Meghalaya, prompting Umiam Hotels Pvt. Ltd. to tender an apology on the same day and clarify that the reference was entirely unintentional.
The HYC had objected to the press release issued by the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) on November 12, announcing the signing of a Taj Resort in Meghalaya, in which the location was referred to as ‘Barapani’.
HYC President Roy Kupar Synrem in a press release said the location is locally and historically known as ‘Umiam’, and its identity must be respected and recognised.
“Development and investment are welcome, but never at the cost of our indigenous identity and heritage,” HYC said.
In an apology letter to HYC, Umiam Hotels said it fully recognises and respects the significance of ‘Umiam’, never intended to endorse any change in the name, and will take up the matter with IHCL to ensure ‘Umiam’ is used in future communications.
