Pathankot terror attack: Tourist access to Shillong Peak restricted in Meghalaya

SHILLONG: Tourist movement to the highest peak in Meghalaya, the Shillong peak, which is accessible only through the Air Force base, has been restricted in view of high security alert sounded across the country post the Pathankot Air Force base attack, defence officials said here today.

"As a precautionary measure, the entry to Air Force Station has been restricted. This would restrict movement of tourists to Shillong View Point," Defence Spokesperson Amit Mahajan told PTI.

He, however, said, no restriction was imposed on the movement of the local residents in and out of the camp and the district administration and the police have been informed of the restriction imposed.

On an average, in the absence of an alternate route to the peak, over 1,600 tourists use the 2-km long air force road inside the station to gain access to the 1965-metre high view point located south of the state's capital.

The peak requires constant guarding to prevent anti- national elements from taking advantage of this tourist rush to pose a threat to the station, Mahajan said.

"In a recent Civil Military Liaison meeting, a proposal was made to the Meghalaya Government by station authorities to construct an access road from outside the Air Force Station to the View Point," he said.

The Air Force base official also suggested that tourists can go to the Bara Peak to enjoy a view of Shillong town.