Shillong: Meghalaya’s law and order situation has returned to normal and tourists can visit the state without apprehension, Home Minister Prestone Tynsong said on Friday, amid concerns following recent incidents.

Tynsong said the government had directed district administrations to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of tourists travelling to and from the state. “We have already instructed all the concerned district administrations to be more alert and to make sure that the tourists coming in or going out from our state are safe and they enjoy the beauty of Shillong or the beauty of Meghalaya,” he said.

The Home Minister urged tourists, particularly those planning to visit Shillong, to travel to Meghalaya without fear, saying adequate security arrangements were already in place. “I would like to personally encourage those tourists who intended to come down to Meghalaya, to Shillong especially, you feel free to come. We have already put in place all the safety mechanisms,” Tynsong said.

He also referred to a meeting with the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) and other stakeholders while discussing measures to address the situation. On legal action over recent incidents, Tynsong said several FIRs had been registered and that further action would be taken in accordance with the law.

“Let the law take its own course,” he said, declining to comment further. Asked about the resignation of senior National People’s Party leader Dr Kharlukhi, Tynsong said the exit of senior leaders was not unusual in politics and that such developments occurred across political parties.

Tynsong said he was saddened by Kharlukhi’s resignation, pointing out that he was among the founders of the National People’s Party. However, he said Kharlukhi had cited personal reasons for stepping down and there was little he could do about the decision.

“He was one also of the founders of the National People’s Party, but I can’t do anything on his resignation since he wanted to resign,” Tynsong said.