Why safety is a concern for promotion of tourism in Northeast

Tourist police are yet to be instated in some states of the Northeast

Guwahati: The Northeast region, known for its picturesque locales and breathtaking scenic views, is seen as having a major potential to generate through tourism. The safety of tourists, however, can become a major issue while promoting the region.

Throughout the years, poverty and lack of employment have led to crimes against tourists. Several clashes between locals and tourists visiting the areas have also been reported. An Assam native who recently travelled to Nongpoh, Meghalaya informed Business North East that their vehicle was stopped and villagers demanded money from them forcefully.

Guwahati, the economic nerve centre of the region, is no better off. Instances of two-wheeler thefts, car lifting, chain snatching, and burglary are rising in the city. 

A study from the year leading up to December 2023, by the Office for National Statistics, shows that the Northeast's crime rate is 109.2 per 1,000 people. However, it is worth noting that this figure excludes fraud. Of the crimes committed during this period, 109,793 of these were cases of violence against the person, which is indeed alarming. Moreover, when compared to the data of previous years, there is a clear trend that reveals the Northeast’s steadily climbing crime rate.

However, lack of safety is not the only issue plaguing the region. Insufficient funds, lack of infrastructure, transportation, lack of alternative means of transport, marketing, boundary issues, terror effect, and permit period are also seen as deterrents for tourism promotion.

The new Assam Tourism (Development and Registration) Bill, 2024, has been recently passed by the state assembly, which included the 'tourist police' scheme. It included details of establishing units, tourist police stations, and necessary infrastructure to guarantee the well-being of visitors.

Nagaland has become the second Northeastern state to introduce tourist police. Mizoram introduced tourist police in 2019, and Arunachal Pradesh in 2018. The other states need to follow suit, to ensure the safety of tourists visiting the region.

ALSO READ: Bharti Airtel appoints Sharat Sinha as CEO of Airtel Business