SHILLONG : United Democratic Party (UDP) MLA Paul Lyngdoh has urged people not to amplify incidents of hatred involving Meghalaya and Assam, calling for greater focus on improving relations between the two neighbouring states.

Reacting to viral videos showing people from Meghalaya and Assam allegedly urinating in each other’s states, Lyngdoh described the incidents as a result of “digital intox” and a race to attract public attention.

“This is digital intox. People want to be seen as news-makers. Worldwide, people grab eyeballs through hate campaigns and hate speeches,” Lyngdoh said when asked whether the government should intervene.

He stressed that isolated incidents should not overshadow the positive developments in relations between Meghalaya and Assam, particularly at a time when efforts are being made to strengthen cooperation between the two states.

“Meghalaya vehicles have been given space at Guwahati Airport and we have given space to Assam vehicles. These are positive developments. Concentrate on them rather than making a news-maker of a person peeing on the street,” he said.

On the possible impact of such incidents on tourism, Lyngdoh said the situation was unhealthy and emphasised the need to build mutual trust and understanding between the people of both states.

“The only way out is to build bridges of trust. If stakeholders cooperate rather than confront, we stand to gain more and can minimise such instances,” he added.

Lyngdoh’s remarks come amid concerns that provocative acts and viral social media content could fuel hostility between people in Meghalaya and Assam, potentially undermining efforts to strengthen inter-state relations and promote tourism.