Shillong, Dec 30: Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh has stressed the need for ‘stakeholders’ to come up with their own standard operating procedures (SOPs) for people visiting the different tourist spots across Meghalaya.
His statement came today in the wake of a recent incident where a tourist chanted “Jai Shree Ram” inside a church at Mawlynnong village in East Khasi Hills – one of the cleanest villages in Asia.
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Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh said, “It is very unfortunate that such elements are trying to disturb the peace and tranquillity in our state. As minister in-charge of tourism, I strongly condemn such attempts through the incident (at Mawlynnong church) and also those groups (in regards to Mawjymbuin cave) – to make it into a religious issue.”
“This incident (at Mawlynnong church) should be an eye opener for church organizations as this is totally under the absolute control of the particular church and has nothing to do with the government,” he said while assuring that “We (as a government) stand firm not to allow religious fanatics to take advantage of the situation with the aim to tarnish the image of the state through such irresponsible actions.”
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He said that the Director General of Police (DGP) had already informed that the accused person has already been identified and the law will take its own course.
The minister said that there is also a need for tourism ‘stakeholders’ to come up with necessary SOPs for people visiting the different tourist spots across the state.
“We need to understand that tourism in Meghalaya, ownership is with the community, and the government only facilitates development. Most of the tourist sites are being looked after by local communities/societies/ youth organizations. The role of the government is just to create necessary infrastructures and to ensure law and order is maintained at all times,” he stated.
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“Therefore, the question of entry to these places is something which the stakeholders that include the societies, dorbar shnongs – should come up with their own SOPs. These same SOPs can be shared with the state government for better coordination and implementation,” Lyngdoh added further.
(Newmai News Network)