Shillong, Aug 28: Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh has warned of backlash in Assam if the state government prevents non-Meghalaya vehicles from entering tourist places.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday on the demand of All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTA), to curb the entry of outside tourist taxis, Paul said it has a potential backlash if the government imposes stringent measures to curb the entry of outside tourist taxis.
Paul pointed out that the neighbouring states might retaliate by imposing similar restrictions on Meghalayan tourists, which would have negative consequences for the state’s residents.
The All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association staged a protest demanding the government to restrict tourist taxis from outside the state from operating in tourist spots.
“But we also have to look at what are the possibilities of a backlash. What if the neighbouring states also impose stringtent measures to curb the entry of Meghalayan into Assam. Who will bear the brunt at that point of time and who will take responsibility? Will the taxi associations take the responsibility if Meghalayans are stopped from going to airport or railway station or access to hospitals in Guwahat? We as a government has to act very responsibly,” Lyngdoh said.
The minister appealed to the taxi associations to continue the discussion with the committee headed by Cyril Diengdoh and come to a point of conclusion.
