Assam CM addresses tourism alternatives and new drug trafficking routes

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has addressed two significant regional issues: interstate tensions with Meghalaya and the emergence of new narcotics trafficking routes.

Regarding tourism, Sarma proposed developing scenic destinations within Assam, such as Umrangso, Diphu, and Haflong, to serve as alternatives to Shillong. This move follows recent tensions between Assam and Meghalaya involving Assam-registered vehicles and protests. Sarma noted that while discussions with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma have addressed specific incidents, some local sentiment in Meghalaya remains hostile toward Assam tourists. He also mentioned plans for new airports in Umrangso and Majuli to bolster the sector.

On security matters, Sarma expressed concern over a new drug trafficking corridor allegedly linking Myanmar to Assam via Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district and Tinsukia. He noted that while traffickers previously utilized Mizoram and Manipur routes, recent seizures in Tinsukia suggest a shift in tactics. Sarma emphasized the need for increased vigilance and enforcement to prevent these emerging routes from becoming established corridors.