Is the US Travel Advisory About Meghalaya Inaccurate?

Shillong, June 24 (NationPress) Meghalaya's Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed on Tuesday that the travel advisory released by the US government, which associates the state and other northeastern regions with terrorism and violence, is fundamentally incorrect. He stated his intention to bring this matter to the attention of the US Ambassador to India.

The Chief Minister emphasized, "The US Embassy has provided a completely misguided view of Meghalaya and the surrounding northeastern states. I contest the validity of this advisory," he conveyed to the press.

Sangma announced plans to engage with the US Ambassador shortly, aiming to present factual evidence regarding the current situation in Meghalaya.

Additionally, he mentioned that he would address this issue with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs as well.

Recently, the US government issued a warning to its citizens to reconsider travel to Meghalaya and other northeastern states due to concerns about terrorism and violence.

The advisory stated, "Avoid traveling to Manipur due to violence and crime threats. There have been no recent incidents reported in Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, or Tripura. US government personnel in India must obtain prior approval before visiting Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, along with any regions outside the capital cities of the northeastern states," the advisory specified.

In response, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong lamented the issuance of such a flawed advisory by the US.

Tynsong remarked, "It is unclear where they gather their information about Meghalaya and the northeastern area. Meghalaya is a safe destination, renowned for its hospitality," he stated, holding the Home portfolio.

He further asserted that individuals who have not visited Meghalaya and met its warm, welcoming people may harbor various misconceptions and uncertainties.

Meghalaya's Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh noted that the state anticipates hosting 2 million visitors this year, with the tourism department unveiling a full calendar of events and festivals, including the famed Cherry Blossom Festivals.

The state government is set to allocate over Rs 1,000 crore to enhance tourism-related infrastructure throughout Meghalaya, as reported by an official.

This sector is crucial, providing both direct and indirect employment to over 50,000 individuals, making it one of the largest employment sectors in Meghalaya, second only to the state government, which employs over 85,000 people.