Guwahati: The Sohra Civil Sub-Division administration has suspended tourist entry to Weisawdong Falls and imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, following renewed tensions over the control and management of tourism activities at the popular destination.
The order, issued by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mark A. Challam, took immediate effect after the administration received reports that a long-running dispute between Laitduh and Umblai villages had resurfaced.
According to the administration, residents of Umblai village were reportedly planning to reopen or construct an approach route to the waterfall from Arliang Riat, raising apprehensions of a possible confrontation.
Officials noted that a demarcation order issued by the Syiem of Hima Sohra in August 2025 had placed the custody of Weisawdong Falls with Laitduh village. However, the decision was subsequently challenged, and a joint meeting held in September 2025 agreed that the arrangement would remain temporary until the dispute is resolved.
As a precautionary measure, the administration has prohibited the assembly of five or more persons within a 200-metre radius of Weisawdong Falls, including all existing and proposed access routes. Carrying sticks, machetes, firearms or other weapons has also been prohibited.
Tourist entry to the waterfall will remain suspended until further orders.
The administration warned that any violation of the prohibitory order would attract action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.