Guwahati, Aug. 29 -- Veteran journalist Patricia Mukhim has responded to criticism from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over her comments on tourism in Meghalaya, saying her article did not target Assam or any particular community.

The controversy followed Mukhim's comments about tourists visiting Meghalaya. She said the state needed a sustainable tourism policy and criticised visitors who arrive in Shillong in the morning, spend little or nothing at local businesses and leave by evening.

She said such visits add to traffic congestion and leave behind carbon footprints without contributing much to the local economy.

Mukhim said tourists should instead be encouraged to spend quality time in Meghalaya, stay for a day or two and ...