Sohra Officials Ban Tourists From Weisawdong Falls Amid Border Dispute

Shillong: Sohra officials slapped a ban on all tourist access to Weisawdong Falls. The move comes as a long-standing land fight between Laitduh and Umblai villages boiled over once again. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mark A Challam issued the order immediately to head off a potential brawl at the site.

The trouble started when Umblai residents plotted to build a new path to the waterfall from Arliang Riat. Tensions have been high for months. An August 2025 order from the Syiem of Hima Sohra initially handed control of the falls to Laitduh, but the Umblai village side fought back against that call. Officials eventually agreed to a temporary setup in September 2025 while they hammered out a permanent fix.

The new order creates a 200-metre buffer zone around the falls and every access point. Large groups cannot gather there. Carrying weapons like machetes or sticks is now illegal. The administration warned that violators will be prosecuted under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. "The prohibitory order was issued with immediate effect, citing the urgency of the situation."