SHILLONG, June 24: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has strongly objected to the recent travel advisory issued by the United States government, which mandates that US government employees must obtain prior approval before traveling to Meghalaya and other parts of Northeast India.

Expressing serious concern, CM Sangma stated that he would personally address the matter with the US Ambassador and would coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to correct what he described as an “absolutely incorrect” notification.

Addressing the media, Sangma remarked, “It’s a matter of concern. I will be meeting the US Ambassador and informing them that the advisory is completely incorrect. I will also urge the US Embassy to revise the notification. I hope that with support and coordination from the MEA and MHA, the error will be rectified.”

He emphasized that Meghalaya has consistently maintained a safe and welcoming environment for both tourists and residents, and cautioned that such advisories risk damaging the state’s image and its tourism-driven economy.

Echoing similar sentiments, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong termed the advisory as “unfortunate and unwarranted.” He reiterated that the state continues to be among the safest tourist destinations in India and beyond.

“It is very unfortunate that such an advisory has been issued by the United States of America,” said Tynsong.

It is important to note that the United States government had issued a Level 2 travel advisory for India on May 16, 2025, advising its citizens to exercise increased caution. The advisory particularly focused on northeastern states, explicitly marking Manipur as a region to avoid due to ongoing violence and ethnic conflict.

Additionally, the advisory stated that U.S. government employees must obtain prior approval to travel to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and any areas outside the capital cities of Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Tripura.

While outlining potential risks, the advisory also noted that ethnic insurgent groups occasionally carry out bombings of infrastructure like buses, rail lines, and markets in some parts of the Northeast. However, it acknowledged that there had been no recent reports of violence in Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, or Tripura.

Chief Minister Sangma’s appeal to rectify the advisory underscores the importance of accurate diplomatic communication and its impact on international perception and local economies.