Shillong: The Tour Guides Association of Meghalaya (TGAM) on Monday demanded a public apology from media channels for spreading “baseless allegations” and misleading the public regarding the state’s safety.
The demand comes in the wake of the recent case involving a missing honeymooning couple in Meghalaya’s Sohra, which garnered significant national attention.
In a statement, TGAM extended its “heartfelt congratulations” to the Meghalaya Police, SDRF, NDRF, and all agencies and individuals involved in the search, rescue, and investigation efforts related to the case.
“We strongly condemn the recent wave of misinformation and defamatory statements circulated by certain individuals and groups across India, who falsely portrayed Meghalaya as an unsafe destination,” the association stated.
The unwarranted slogans such as “Meghalaya Murdabad” are now rightfully being replaced by “Meghalaya Zindabad,” as the truth and collective effort have come to light” it stated.
The association has urged the Meghalaya government to initiate legal action against those responsible for disseminating “falsehoods and defaming the state and its people.”
The association claimed that these accusations were made “without any understanding of the realities on the ground or the extensive efforts undertaken by all involved.”
Reaffirming the state’s welcoming nature, TGAM highlighted Meghalaya as “a land of peace, natural beauty, and warm hospitality.”
The association encouraged all visitors to engage with local guides and tourism service providers to ensure “a meaningful and immersive experience.”
Besides, the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO), a prominent civil society group based in Shillong, has demanded a public apology from the family of Sonam Raghuvanshi, the woman arrested for the alleged murder of her husband during their honeymoon in Sohra (Cherrapunji).
The group has accused her family of defaming the people of Meghalaya and damaging the state’s reputation as a safe and welcoming tourist destination.
