“At least 80–90% of the bookings have been cancelled by visitors due to the current situation and the ongoing blockade at Jorabat. August is an off-season for hotels in Shillong and Sohra, with average occupancy at around 20%.
However, most of those bookings have now been cancelled,” Federation of Shillong Hotels president Parambir Singh Sehdave said on Saturday. There are around 1,400 hospitality properties in Shillong, Sohra and adjoining areas, including hotels, hostels and homestays.
“On average, each property has around 10 rooms, which means the total number of rooms would be around 15,000,” Sehdave said. Expressing hope that the situation would improve in the coming days, he said it was unfortunate that violence had been directed at innocent people and Assam-registered vehicles.
He further warned that the incident could negatively affect the hotel industry during the upcoming peak tourist season, particularly around the Durga Puja, Christmas and New Year holidays. “This incident could negatively impact the hotel industry during peak season such as Pujas, Christmas and New Year,” Sehdave said.
Meanwhile, Tourist Operators Association of Meghalaya general secretary Kyrmenlang Shabong also expressed hope that peace would prevail, describing Wednesday’s violence as “unfortunate and unwarranted”. “Both the Meghalaya and Assam governments are trying to resolve the issue.
We hope it will be resolved soon. However, visitors are calling to inquire whether they can travel to Meghalaya, and we are advising them to wait until Monday,” he said.
The situation escalated after August 19, when the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) allegedly vandalised vehicles registered in Assam, disrupting vehicular movement between Assam and Meghalaya. The disruption continued for the third consecutive day on Saturday, with the agitation gradually intensifying.
Meanwhile, a crucial meeting between Assam and Meghalaya officials to discuss the situation is underway at Koinadhara. Assam Minister Atul Bora is representing the State at the meeting.
