JOWAI: The West Jaintia Hills deputy commissioner met the two warring groups on Monday to find a solution before the Durga Puja festival begins at Nartiang on Tuesday.
However, talks remained inconclusive with one group led by the Nartiang headman welcoming the administration’s advice to come to a consensus for a peaceful festival and the other refusing to budge.
The second group, which wants the descendant of the traditional priest family to take over, was adamant that rituals should be performed by the local priest.
Deputy Commissioner Garod LSN Dykes reminded the two groups about the High Court order of October 9 that said, “Since puja is drawing near, this order is passed to ensure that puja is performed in a pious and proper manner without any disturbance. With regard to who will perform the puja, I leave the matter with the residents of Nartiang village to decide who will be the best person and if necessary, to consult religious scholar.”
Monday’s meeting was attended by leaders of both parties, which were fighting over appointment of priest at Nartiang Durga temple, along with West Jaintia Hills SP Lakador Syiem, additional SP P Syiem and magistrates.
The Meghalaya High Court had also directed the deputy commissioner and the SP to monitor law and order in the village.
“If any person intervenes or disturbs puja celebrations or attempts to create any problem in and around the temple, he or she should be put behind bars without any further questions in accordance with law,” the court had ordered.
