SHILLONG: The group of villagers, including the headman, at Nartiang has been pulled up for creating law and order disturbance during Durga Puja and the High Court of Meghalaya has issued a notice to the priest selected by this group to appear before it.
The court, after hearing the case on Friday, issued notice to priest Swappon Bhattacharjee, Phroi Dhar, Rita Symblai, Song Baitmyria and Lutmon Symblai to appear in person on the next date fixed for hearing to answer as to why action should not be taken against them for violating the court’s order and for disturbing the puja (Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution).
The deputy commissioner of West Jaintia Hills, the Superintendent of Police and the headman were also directed by the High Court of Meghalaya to be present in person on the next date fixed.
The matter has been listed for November 15 for their appearance.
Headman to vacate Dorbar office
The court also directed the headman, who admitted that he has occupied the room constructed by the Forest Department on the premises of the temple and has been using that as Dorbar office of the locality, to vacate the room within two days from the date of the order and hand over the room to the Temple Committee who may use as restroom for pilgrims.
During the hearing, the court saw an affidavit filed by the West Jaintia Hills police chief wherein it is stated that the acting dolloi (now deceased), Nartiang Elaka and the headman had appointed new priest Bhattacharjee, which led to the present law and order problems on October 15.
In paragraph 3 of the affidavit, it was further stated that puja was going on smoothly on October 15. Around 8.30 pm, Bhattacharjee along with the supporters Phroi Dhar, Rita Symblai, Song Baitmyria and Lutmon Symblai and others of the rival group arrived at Nartiang Durga Temple and wanted to enter for performing puja.
“On reading of the entire affidavit, it appears that the intervention of the above named persons has created law and order problems,” the order said.
