Shillong, Aug 6: The Mawsynram Dorbar Shnong has voiced strong opposition to what it sees as an attempt by an outside group to take control of the management of Mawjymbuin Cave during the yatra (pilgrimage) held on August 2.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Mawsynram Assistant Rangbah Shnong Hiamdor Rapsang said, “We do not want tourists to get the impression that two separate authorities are managing the Mawjymbuin Cave.”
He criticised the imposition of restrictions on visitors by outside groups, saying it was unacceptable.
“The Dorbar Shnong has already laid down the dos and don’ts for all tourists visiting the cave,” he added.
Citing a recent incident, Rapsang said tourists from Kolkata were reportedly asked by members of the Yatra Society to remove their shoes before entering the cave, despite clarifying that they were only tourists and not there for any religious rituals.
A verbal complaint was later lodged with the Dorbar Shnong by the affected visitors.
Rapsang, who also serves as the Dorbar’s spokesperson, said the action taken by the Yatra Society was deeply hurtful and seen as an infringement on the Dorbar’s authority, as the cave falls under its jurisdiction.
He also criticised the Society for putting up banners with messages like “Do not litter here,” which the Dorbar Shnong opposed.
“According to Khasi customs, any visitor to the village must respect the guidelines set by the Dorbar Shnong,” he said firmly.
“We will not tolerate any outside interference in our internal affairs or in the management of the cave,” Rapsang asserted.
He recalled that when the issue first surfaced last year, the Dorbar Shnong had made its position clear that the cave is a tourist destination, not a place of worship.
Last year, the Yatra Society had to cancel its pilgrimage plans after the Dorbar refused to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Rapsang added that this year, the Yatra Society once again approached the court for permission to conduct the pilgrimage.
According to him, the Society gave an assurance that they would not perform any religious rites and would only sprinkle water on a stone inside the cave. However, he said that they have expressed that even this is part of a religious ritual.
Rapsang admitted that the High Court allowed symbolic sprinkling, not pouring of water on the stone, adding that that the Dorbar respects the court’s ruling but would deliberate on the next course of action.
Earlier, the High Court of Meghalaya permitted the Yatra Society to conduct the pilgrimage from Mahadev Khola to Mawjymbuin Cave under strict conditions. The order stated that only symbolic sprinkling of water would be allowed and prohibited any puja or the bringing of ritual items such as incense sticks and flowers.
The court emphasised the need to maintain public order, ensure cleanliness, and avoid any disruption to traffic. It also directed the organisers to engage private security or volunteers to assist with traffic management on the day of the Yatra.
Last year, the Mawsynram Dorbar had declined to grant a no-objection certificate for Hindus to worship at a Shivaling-like structure in the cave following which members of Yatra approached the High Court of Meghalaya claiming Hindus have been worshipping Lord Shiva at the cave during the month of Shravan for years.
