Shillong, May 28: Amid growing concern over the disappearance of a tourist couple from Indore, Meghalaya Cabinet Minister A.L. Hek assured on Wednesday that Sohra remains a safe destination for visitors.
“There’s no threat to tourists. I visited today and saw many visitors enjoying the area safely. Stray incidents can happen anywhere,” Hek told reporters after reviewing ongoing search operations in the region.
The statement comes in the wake of the disappearance of Sonam and Raja Raghuvanshi, who were last seen on May 23 after checking out of Shipara Homestay in Nongriat. They had arrived on May 22 and were accompanied by a local guide. Their abandoned scooty was found at Sohrarim on May 24, triggering a multi-agency search.
Authorities have since deployed three rescue teams with support from K9 units, drones from the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), and Special Operations Team (SOT) personnel. Search efforts have expanded to remote trekking routes and deep gorges in Mawkdok, Umdiengpoh, and Sohra Rim.
Despite extensive operations, there has been no trace of the couple. “They are still untraceable. Police, magistrates, local communities—everyone is doing their best,” said Hek.
Responding to a question about the possibility of involving the Indian Army, Hek said the matter has been taken up with senior officials including the SP, DC, and ADM, following appeals from BJP leaders in Madhya Pradesh who identified the couple as their relatives.
On whether foul play could be involved, Hek declined to speculate. “It’s hard to say anything now. Their phones are switched off, and there are no leads,” he added.
The Minister emphasized that tourism in the area remains unaffected and called the incident unfortunate but isolated. “Sohra is safe. The administration is alert, and all tourists I saw today were safe and comfortable,” he reiterated.
Authorities continue to urge locals to assist in the search, while officials monitor the situation closely.
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