The tourism department of the state of Meghalaya announced the closure of parts of Sohra. The announcement regarding the same came over the social media handle of the department. The notice mentioned that the Wei Sawdong and Dainthlen waterfalls are closed.
The key reason behind the closure of these locations has not been mentioned by the tourism department. But an order passed by the Sub Divisional Magistrate of Sohra points to the reasons. And that is the conflict between the two villages in the region.
A continuous dispute was going on regarding the land wherein the popular tourist destinations lie. The dispute is between the villages of Mawphu, Laitduh and Umblai. These villages claim ownership of the lands. A report was submitted by the Sub-Divisional Police officer regarding the matter. This was followed by the imposition of Section 144 of CrPC in the region. Hema Nayak, the Sub Divisional Magistrate of the Sohra Civil Sub Division passes the orders.
“Sohra in the exercise of the power conferred upon me, U/S 144 Cr PC and in order to safeguard and prevent any untoward incident at these places mentioned above do hereby PROHIBIT as under at Dainthen, Wes-Sawdong and adjoining areas” mentioned the order.
The order bans the assembly of more than five people and the carrying of any kind of weapon. Parking has also been stopped from the stretch of road from Dainthlen to Wei-Sawdong. Also opening or operating of the Weisawdong Tourist Spot & Dainthen Tourist Spot have been stopped.
This order was passed on May 26 and will remain in force till any new orders are issued.
The region under question is a very popular destination for tourists around the year. Apart from a huge number of visitors from neighboring Assam, it is popular with people from across the country.
