Shillong: The East Khasi Hills district administration of Meghalaya has invoked Section 163 of the BNSS Act to ban illegal gambling and unauthorised fee collection at Lum Shyllong (Shillong Peak) during New Year celebrations.
The move follows reports of recurring unlawful activities in previous years, including gambling and the imposition of unauthorised charges for entry and parking at the popular tourist destination.
Such practices have reportedly caused inconvenience to visitors and raised concerns about the exploitation of public spaces.
The district administration emphasised the need to safeguard the sanctity of Lum Shyllong, which holds cultural and traditional significance for the Raid and the Hima Mylliem.
In its official statement, the administration warned that unchecked illegal activities could lead to public harassment and tarnish the dignity of the region’s heritage.
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“To prevent such practices, strict measures are being implemented to prohibit illegal gambling and the collection of unauthorized fees at Lum Shyllong during the New Year celebrations,” the order stated.
The directive makes it clear that any violations will result in strict action, with offenders being prosecuted under Section 188 of the BNSS Act.
The administration’s proactive approach aims to ensure a safe, respectful, and hassle-free experience for all visitors celebrating the New Year at Shillong Peak.
