Latest news with #RoykuparSynrem
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Meghalaya groups demand apology from trolls who vilified state after tourist murder
Guwahati: With police in Meghalaya resolving the murder mystery of a Honeymoon couple, several organisations and pressure in Meghalaya are demanding apology from social media users and organisations who vilified the state in the wake of murder and tried to harm the tourism industry of the state. Various organisations in Meghalaya, including the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), staged a silent demonstration at Police Bazar on Monday to denounce the recent murder of a tourist from Indore Raja Raghuvanshi . On Tuesday a rally was organised by some organisations denouncing the remarks made by the several people against the state and its people. HYC President Roykupar Synrem said that Meghalaya has always been a peaceful and hospitable place for visitors. "This incident is unfortunate and should not define our state. There have been several instances in the recent past where individuals from outside committed crimes and fled Meghalaya."
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Time of India
Residents condemn bizman killing, rally for Meghalaya's image
Guwahati: A day after the Indore tourist Raja Raghuvanshi murder case was solved by the Meghalaya Police, silent demonstrations were held in Shillong and Sohra, with residents emphasising that while the incident was tragic, it should not define the northeastern state. Members of the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), alongside civilians, organised a silent protest at Police Bazar in Shillong on Tuesday, condemning the killing of Raja Raghuvanshi. Holding placards and maintaining silence, protesters expressed their opposition to the violent act, which has drawn nationwide attention and sparked discussions about tourist safety in Meghalaya. HYC president Roykupar Synrem said Meghalaya is known for its peace and welcoming nature, remarking, "This incident is tragic, but it should not define our state." He emphasised the need for the swift implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to enhance visitor monitoring and regulation. The demonstration reflected widespread concern among residents and community organisations about the potential harm to Meghalaya's reputation. While demanding justice, protesters insisted that this isolated incident should not overshadow the state's safety record, cultural heritage, and values. Meanwhile, in Sohra, residents organised a peaceful march on Tuesday to highlight their longstanding tradition of hospitality and security. Demonstrators carried placards with messages such as "Stop blaming the people of Sohra without any evidence", "Tourists are always a part of our extended family", "Every tourist is welcome to Sohra", "Don't fall prey to fake narratives", and "Come and enjoy the beauty of Sohra". On Sunday night, police arrested four suspects from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, while Sonam, who went untraced since May 23.
The Hindu
10-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Meghalaya group opposes ecotourism project in wildlife sanctuary
GUWAHATI A youth organisation has opposed an ecotourism development project in Meghalaya's Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, citing a potential threat to its delicate ecosystem. In a letter submitted to the State's Additional Director General of Forests (Wildlife) and the Director of Wildlife Preservation on May 6, the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) called for scrapping the planned ecotourism project in and around the 29 sq. km sanctuary in Meghalaya's Ri-Bhoi district. The HYC was the second organisation to oppose the project worth ₹23.7 crore. Green-Tech Foundation (GTF), a Shillong-based environmental group, had petitioned the State's Tourism Minister, Paul Lyngdoh, against the proposed infrastructure project. The project, awarded to the Eco-Development Society of Meghalaya a few weeks ago, entails the construction of tourist dwellings, glass skywalks, a water sports arena and other tourist-friendly amenities. 'The sanctuary is a crucial habitat for various species of animals, birds, reptiles, insects, and plants. Any tourism activities will disrupt the fragile ecology of this protected area,' the HYC's president, Roykupar Synrem, said. He also said tourism-related projects should not be allowed in and around protected areas. The GTF's chairman, H.B.N. Nonglang, told journalists in April that Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary is too small for infrastructure projects and has been well-managed with minimal human interaction. 'Instead of the infrastructure project, the government should direct the funds toward developing communities around the sanctuary to ensure improved livelihood and employment opportunities,' he said. Established in 1981, the sanctuary is home to more than 400 species of birds, including the endangered rufous-necked hornbill. In 2021, the Management Effectiveness Evaluation report of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries said Nongkhyllem was the best-protected area in the northeast. Villagers and NGOS have been protesting infrastructure projects in and around protected areas and wetlands elsewhere in the northeast too. These include an oil exploration project near the Hoolock Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in eastern Assam and a logistics park adjoining the Dorabeel wetland near Guwahati.
