Authorities Close Weisawdong Falls Amid Village Land Dispute

Shillong: The Sohra Civil Sub-Division shut down Weisawdong Falls to all tourists. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mark A. Challam issued the order immediately after reports surfaced that a territorial feud between Laitduh and Umblai villages had flared up again. The area is now off limits.

Trouble started when residents in Umblai reportedly planned to build a new path to the waterfall from Arliang Riat. This move threatened to trigger a direct confrontation between the two villages. The Syiem of Hima Sohra previously handed custody of the falls to Laitduh village in August 2025, but the Umblai side continues to fight that decision despite a September agreement to hold off until the matter is settled.

The government slammed the door on visitors to keep the peace. Under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, authorities banned gatherings of five or more people within a 200-metre radius of the falls. No one can bring weapons to the site. The order explicitly states that "tourist entry to the waterfall will remain suspended until further orders." Officials warned that any violation of these rules will result in legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.