Trying to change global perception of ‘restricted’ northeast: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Himanta Biswa Sarma said the ethnic violence in Manipur has not impacted the tourism sector elsewhere in the region

GUWAHATI

“The Assam Government is trying to change the global perception of India’s northeastern region, which is tagged by many countries as a “restricted” region warranting travel advisories,” Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Dr. Sarma also underscored the need to educate potential visitors that violence in one part or State of the region — currently Manipur — does not necessarily impact the other parts or States.

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“Assam has not witnessed any violence for the last five years but many countries issue advisories putting the northeast under restricted category. We are in constant touch with the embassies because the management of perception is crucial for bringing foreign tourists,” he told journalists after inaugurating the 12th International Tourism Mart in Kaziranga on Wednesday (November 27, 2024).

Dr. Sarma said it was important for people in India and abroad to understand the region’s geography. “Manipur is far from here and the spots of violence will take two days to reach. Projecting the entire region as a trouble spot is like saying going to Haryana should be avoided if some part of Rajasthan is facing an issue,” he said.

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He said one of the reasons behind holding the tourism mart in Kaziranga, about 200 km east of Guwahati, was to remove the perception that the violence in Manipur affected Assam and other parts of the northeast. “We are culturally one but are different States. People of the region get frustrated when you (media) try to interlink Manipur with Kaziranga,” he added.

The Chief Minister asserted that the northeastern States have been free from extremism or any law-and-order issues barring a few incidents.

“We keep inviting ambassadors of various countries to change their perception about the region. The Centre is also helping us but I think it will take some more time to succeed in our efforts,” he said, pointing out advisories by countries such as the United States and Japan which dissuade their citizens from visiting the northeast.

He said Assam attracted some 10 lakh tourists, including 27,700 foreigners, over the past 12 months despite such advisories. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also said “false narratives created with bad intent” affect the tourism sector, particularly in a diverse, green, and under-explored region like the northeast.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced visa relaxations for foreign tourists. “With initiatives such as e-visa for people coming for various types of tourism, I hope the sector will get a boost in the country, especially in the northeast,” he said.

Published - November 28, 2024 01:35 pm IST