Shillong: Sohra officials shut down Weisawdong Falls on Friday. The popular tourist site is now off-limits until further notice. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mark A. Challam issued the order to stop a planned confrontation between Laitduh and Umblai villages.
Tensions flared when intelligence suggested Umblai residents planned to dig a new path to the falls on July 4. Officials feared this move would trigger a clash with Laitduh villagers, who currently control the site. The area remains a powder keg.
A 2025 demarcation order placed the falls under Laitduh management, but the conflict never fully died out. Despite a September 2025 interim deal meant to keep the peace, the rivalry persists. The magistrate issued the order ex parte to prevent imminent chaos. Describing the situation as urgent, the administration stated the order was issued ex parte and takes immediate effect.
New rules now ban groups of five or more within 200 metres of the site. Weapons including sticks, machetes, and firearms are strictly prohibited. Anyone caught breaking these rules faces prosecution under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
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