By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 18: Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma on Thursday questioned the failure of the Assam and Meghalaya governments to address the tourist taxi association issue, warning that their silence could have long-term ramifications for tourism growth across the Northeast and create disharmony between communities.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, Sangma said the state has been facing the problem for a considerable period of time, with statements coming from both sides, but the governments did little to ensure it did not culminate in the “unpleasant situation” witnessed on Thursday.
“It was like do whatever you like to do while the government shirks the responsibility of dealing with such challenges,” he said.
Drawing an analogy, he said, “The attitude of the two (Assam and Meghalaya) governments is like a father allowing his sons to fight despite knowing the two brothers are having differences, and it will end in ugly and unpleasant situations.”
He said the indifference of the two governments could damage the image of the Northeast and affect tourism.
Sangma, however, said Assam cannot expect to reap the benefits alone. “Assam should remember that tourists package the Northeast as a whole and not a particular state. It is thus imperative for the states to promote and benefit from tourism together,” he said.
He cautioned that the taxi association issue could spark “other narratives” capable of creating disharmony in the region.
“I hope the government acquires a sense of responsibility, takes cognisance of the challenges, and does whatever is needed to be done. They cannot be silent spectators. They must resolve this issue, bring some kind of enabling environment for the tourism hospitality sector to grow, and ensure all stakeholders benefit equally,” he said.
He stated that the row is directly affecting people dependent on the hospitality sector for their “bread and butter.”
The Voice of the People Party (VPP) described the reaction of the Assam-based transport associations as “uncalled for and disproportionate,” terming their action on Thursday as “nothing short of barbarism.”
In a strongly worded statement, VPP spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh condemned the move to prevent Meghalaya-registered vehicles from entering Assam, calling it an act of “intimidation and bullying.”
He said it was alarming that even the vehicle of an elected representative was not spared during the protest.
While extending support to the demands of local taxi operators, which he maintained were “rational and legitimate,” Myrboh said the behaviour of their Assam counterparts exposed their desperation to “exploit the tourist industry of Khasi-Jaintia Hills without any thought of having even justified sharing of economic benefits with their Khasi-Jaintia Hills counterparts.”
Turning his ire on the state government, he said the crisis could have been avoided if the MDA had shown even “an iota of consideration for the well-being of the ordinary people of the state.”
He alleged that for the government, tourism development only meant “increasing spending that ultimately benefits their immediate supporters without bothering about how it bypasses the common people.”
He further said that “the MDA government has converted Meghalaya into a colony of the forces from outside the state for the reasons best known to them” and demanded that immediate measures be adopted to ensure benefits for all stakeholders.
The VPP spokesperson assured that the party would stand by the taxi operators engaged in tourism and support them “in whatever way it is possible.”
