‘Wake Up Before It’s Too Late’: Mukul Sangma Slams Meghalaya Govt for Ignoring Tourist Safety, Calls for Urgent Action

Mukul Sangma Slams Meghalaya Govt: Sangma expressed grave concerns over the government’s negligence in implementing CCTV surveillance systems.

In a sharp critique of the Meghalaya government, Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has lashed out at the administration for aggressively promoting tourism while failing to ensure the safety and security of both citizens and visitors.

Sangma expressed grave concerns over the government’s negligence in implementing closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance systems, which he said were originally mandated under the Meghalaya Resident Safety and Security Act.

The senior leader questioned why, despite having the legal mandate and infrastructure in place, the government has failed to expand and monitor CCTV networks across critical urban and highway areas. “This was a well-thought-out initiative during my tenure, launched at Sadar Police Station in Shillong after thorough due diligence. The goal was to keep every corner of Shillong, district capitals, and interlinking highways under watch,” he said.

Sangma emphasized that such surveillance is crucial in addressing not just crime but also emerging threats such as drug trafficking. “If drug peddlers aren’t entering the state, then where is the drug coming from?” he asked, underscoring the role of CCTVs in tracking abnormal movements of people and vehicles. He warned that simply installing cameras isn’t enough, they must be constantly monitored by trained personnel, backed by rapid response teams to act swiftly in emergencies.

He stressed that failure to take “pre-emptive measures” results in tragic incidents, with recent events such as the death of a tourist tarnishing Meghalaya’s image as a safe destination. He said, “We must reinstall confidence, especially among visitors. This is about how the world perceives us. When incidents occur, the state must show it understands what happened, take swift action, and restore faith in its law enforcement.”

According to him, the broader perception of Meghalaya’s safety has a direct impact on its tourism potential not just within India but across international markets. “Meghalaya is an integral part of the Northeast’s hospitality sector. Tourists don’t just visit one state they travel across the region. A single negative incident here affects the entire Northeast’s image.”

Sangma called for serious introspection among government officials and society at large. He urged everyone to act before the situation worsens, drawing a parallel with the Western world’s experience in handling safety challenges. “A stitch in time saves nine,” he reminded, advocating urgent and proactive steps to rebuild Meghalaya’s reputation as not just a scenic, but a safe travel destination.

Expressing sorrow over the recent death of a tourist, Sangma’s remarks serve as a wake-up call for the administration. “You cannot brand a state as a favored destination if it isn’t safe. Both go hand in hand,” he added.

Also Read: After Indore Couple Tragedy, Meghalaya Govt to Install 1,000 CCTVs to Ensure Tourist Safety

COMMENTS

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment *

Name *

Email *

Website

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment *

Name *

Email *

Website