Shillong: Violence in Shillong has begun to hit Meghalaya’s tourism sector, with visitors cancelling trips and stakeholders warning of fallout.Tourists from other states have cancelled trips to Shillong following widespread violence, arson and vandalism during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) black-flag bike rally on Wednesday.The tourism department has issued a toll-free helpline – 1800-599-2026 – to assist stranded visitors.“The safety and well-being of everyone visiting Meghalaya remain a priority. Tourists and visitors who require any assistance or information are encouraged to reach out to us,” the department said in a statement.In a joint statement issued on Thursday, tourism stakeholders said, “We are already witnessing cancellations and concerns among visitors, including retaliatory developments from Assam, affecting tourism stakeholders as well as ordinary citizens dependent on inter-state travel.”The Tour Operators Association of Meghalaya, Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum, Tour Guides Association of Meghalaya, Federation of Shillong Hotels, Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum and Meghalaya Rural Tourism Cooperative Federation Limited condemned the violence.They said vehicles from outside the state, including tourist taxis and buses, as well as pedestrians and bystanders, were attacked and vandalised.“Tourism today supports the livelihoods of more than 30% of Meghalaya’s population, directly and indirectly, with a significant proportion of these livelihoods based in rural areas. From homestays and local guides to drivers, artisans, restaurants and small businesses, thousands of families depend on a peaceful and stable tourism environment,” they added.The stakeholders urged govt and law-enforcement agencies to identify those responsible and act according to the law, while protecting peaceful protesters’ rights.Shillong remained calm on Thursday amid heightened security. The East Khasi Hills administration also revoked permission for KSU’s planned Friday sit-in at Khyndailad in Police Bazar.
