Shillong, September 18, 2025 – Tourism stakeholders in Sohra have raised alarm over the ongoing standoff between tourist taxi associations from Meghalaya and Assam, warning that the dispute is crippling the local tourism economy and tarnishing Meghalaya’s image as a premier destination.

At a public meeting convened at Mawkdok, chaired by Bah Allan West Kharkongor and Bah Denis P. Rayen, President of the Sohra Region Tourism Association, hoteliers, guest house operators, tour operators, and traditional heads (Nongsynshar Shnong) expressed strong condemnation of the restrictions preventing Assam-registered tourist taxis from entering Sohra and other popular sites.

Participants said the impasse has forced many visitors, especially from Assam, to turn back midway, resulting in significant financial losses for hotels, restaurants, transport providers, and other tourism-linked businesses.

“With domestic tourist arrivals finally picking up, this conflict risks undoing all the progress made. Tourists avoid destinations where there are conflicts and roadblocks. Continued disruptions will discourage them from coming altogether,” a hotel operator remarked.

The meeting also noted that the ripple effects extend beyond taxi operators, hurting shopkeepers, souvenir sellers, service providers, and young people employed in the sector.

The stakeholders unanimously urged the Government of Meghalaya to act swiftly by facilitating dialogue between the taxi associations of both states and restoring normalcy. They cautioned that any delay could deal a long-lasting blow to one of the state’s key revenue-generating sectors.