Meghalaya Not Unsafe, Says Tourism Minister After Tourist Mishaps Spark Safety Concerns
GUWAHATI, May 30, 2025 — Meghalaya’s Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Thursday defended the State’s tourism safety record amid rising concerns following the tragic death of a foreign tourist and the disappearance of a couple from Madhya Pradesh. He cautioned against branding Meghalaya as unsafe based on “isolated incidents.”
In a press briefing, Lyngdoh emphasized that such unfortunate occurrences should not tarnish the image of the hill State, known for its natural beauty and thriving ecotourism.
“Questions are being raised about whether or not Meghalaya is safe for tourists. A person from Meghalaya has not been traced after disappearing in Thailand. Does that mean Thailand is unsafe for tourists?” Lyngdoh asked, challenging what he described as misplaced generalizations.
Hungarian Tourist’s Death, Indore Couple Missing
Concerns were reignited after Hungarian national Puskas Zsolt was found dead and Indore-based couple Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi went missing within a span of 57 days in the East Khasi Hills district.
Zsolt, who had checked into a Shillong hotel on March 29, was reported missing soon after. His decomposed body was recovered on April 10 from a steep slope near Ramdait village in the Shella region, close to the Bangladesh border.
More recently, the Raghuvanshi couple disappeared on May 24 after leaving Shillong for Sohra (Cherrapunjee) on a rented two-wheeler. The vehicle was found abandoned, but no trace of the couple has been located despite ongoing search operations using thermal drones and the support of local volunteers, police, and the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC).
Search Operations Continue Amid Weather Challenges
Heavy rainfall and treacherous terrain have severely hampered search efforts, according to authorities. Two MPs from Madhya Pradesh — Shankar Lalwani and Sumer Singh Solanki — are currently in Meghalaya to oversee the rescue operation. They praised the Meghalaya government’s seriousness and coordination in dealing with the situation.
Minister Lyngdoh reiterated that tourism-related mishaps are global phenomena and should not be used to judge the safety of a destination. “We cannot police every inch of all tourist destinations. These are unfortunate incidents, but not a systemic failure,” he asserted.
Calls for Mandatory Local Guides Grow Louder
In the wake of these incidents, the Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum has renewed its demand for mandatory local guides for all treks and hikes in ecologically sensitive and rugged areas.
“Using a guide is currently voluntary. A strict policy can ensure total safety for visitors,” said Alan West Kharkongor, president of the Forum.
The government maintains that guiding systems already exist at iconic spots such as the living root bridges, but acknowledges that some tourists venture beyond marked zones, often ignoring safety advisories.
Tourism Sector on Alert, But Government Urges Perspective
Meghalaya, one of India’s most popular monsoon tourism destinations, draws thousands of visitors annually for its lush landscapes, waterfalls, and indigenous culture. The tourism sector, a key economic pillar for the State, has been hit by repeated safety debates, raising fears of declining footfall.
However, Minister Lyngdoh appealed to the public and media to view the situation in perspective.
“Let’s not allow isolated events to define Meghalaya’s tourism potential. We remain one of the most welcoming and naturally blessed destinations in the country,” he said.