SHILLONG : Tourism has been suspended at four popular tourist destinations in Sohra after the civil administration imposed a prohibitory order amid an escalating dispute over their management and ownership.
The order, issued by Sohra Civil Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mark A. Challam under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, came into immediate effect on August 4 and will remain in force until further orders.
The restrictions cover Weisawdong Falls, Dainthlen Falls, Mawsawa Falls and Arliang Riat View Point, along with their adjoining approach roads.
According to the order, reports received from the police and other reliable sources indicated that a dispute involving the villages of Laitduh, Umblai, Mawphu and Laitlyndop under Hima Sohra had intensified and could lead to a breach of peace, disruption of public tranquillity and obstruction to tourists.
To prevent any untoward incident, the administration has prohibited all tourist activities in the affected areas, including the entry of tourists and visitors, sightseeing and commercial tourism operations.
The order also bars any individual, village authority, organisation or other person from collecting entry fees, parking charges, user fees or any other payment from visitors unless specifically authorised by the competent authority.In addition, the assembly of five or more persons has been prohibited, except for government officials, police, armed forces and emergency personnel performing official duties.
The administration has also banned the carrying or display of weapons, including firearms, machetes, swords, spears, bows and arrows, sticks, iron rods, catapults, explosives and any other object capable of being used as a weapon.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate said the prohibitory order was issued as an urgent preventive measure to protect life and property, maintain public peace and avoid any law-and-order situation in the Sohra Civil Sub-Division.
Officials warned that anyone violating the order would face action under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and other applicable laws.