By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 23: Meghalaya Congress chief Vincent H. Pala has criticised VPP supremo Ardent M. Basaiawmoit for describing Shillong as a “sex city,” saying the remark was unfair and damaging to the city’s image.
Pala said there appeared to be a serious misunderstanding over the project at the centre of the controversy between the state government, the VPP and the Green-Tech Foundation. He clarified that “Taj Resort and Spa” is only the name of the hotel, just as the property owned by sitting MLA Charles Pyngrope is named “Windermere Hotel and Spa.”
Pala said branding Shillong as a sex city was deeply unfair, especially in a city with a population of more than five lakh. “If 100 people are involved in bad things, it does not mean Shillong can be branded as a sex city,” he said, adding that such comments could discourage tourists, employees and students from coming to the city.
He also said Meghalaya needed more hotels and private investment, arguing that such projects would generate employment and support the local economy.
It may be recalled that the VPP chief, while questioning the NPP-led Meghalaya government’s push for high-end spa-based tourism and large-scale hospitality projects, had warned that such initiatives could ultimately transform Shillong into a “sex city” and Meghalaya into a hub for “sex tourism”.
He had questioned the intent behind promoting spa-based tourism and large-scale hospitality projects, stating that such models may not benefit the indigenous population and could instead pose serious social risks.
“Do our indigenous communities even understand what a spa entails?” Basaiawmoit had questioned, expressing concern that the introduction of spa culture could lead to practices inconsistent with Khasi values.
The VPP president cautioned that employing local youth, particularly women, in such sectors could gradually encourage immoral activities and open the door to the growth of a sex industry, as seen in certain parts of the world.
