Mahadev Khola row
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 28: The Mahadev Khola Dham Prabandhan Trust Committee has sought the urgent intervention of Governor Chandrashekhar H. Vijayashankar to address alleged arbitrary administrative actions and to ensure the protection of religious rights at the historic Mahadev Khola Dham — one of the most prominent Hindu temples in Meghalaya.
In a letter submitted to the Governor on October 25, the Trust’s general secretary, Homnath Gautam, highlighted several pressing issues confronting the temple, including alleged trespass, interference by non-state groups, and administrative neglect.
Gautam stated that despite the temple’s historic and spiritual importance — drawing thousands of devotees, especially during Maha Shivratri — it continues to face challenges such as lack of 24-hour security and repeated obstruction of religious activities.
He alleged that members of the Khasi Students’ Union had on several occasions forcibly closed shops inside the temple premises, disrupting worship and causing inconvenience to devotees.
“Such acts amount to trespass and violate the constitutional rights of the Hindu community under Articles 25 and 26,” Gautam said.
The Trust has appealed for permanent police protection and strict action against any unlawful interference in temple affairs. It also urged that no administrative or police authority act under the influence of any non-state organisation in matters related to religious management.
Gautam further requested that the temple land be officially notified as a protected religious site to prevent encroachment and preserve its sanctity. He also sought formal government recognition of the temple’s managing committee, suggesting that the descendants of the traditional Mishra priestly family — who have served the temple for generations — be made ex-officio presidents or chairpersons to ensure continuity of tradition.
Stating that temple-based religious shops should be exempted from trading licences, he stated that these outlets sell only ritual items used for pujas and offerings, not for commercial trade.
Describing Mahadev Khola Dham as “a sacred symbol of Meghalaya’s religious diversity, heritage, and harmony”, Gautam said the Hindu community has always lived peacefully with other faiths in the state. “We most humbly seek your kind and just intervention to ensure protection, proper administration, and smooth functioning of this ancient temple,” he added.
He pointed out that while East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah had earlier granted permission for shops within the temple premises, the approval was later revoked under pressure from the students’ organisation, which he termed “a violation of constitutional provisions”.
“The administration appears to function under the dictates of such organisations, undermining the constitutional right to religious freedom,” Gautam stated.
He said such discriminatory actions erode public trust and “reflect a disturbing trend against a peaceful religious minority”.
Reminding that the Hindu community in Meghalaya constitutes a minority, Gautam urged the Governor to ensure equal protection and fair treatment under the law.
Copies of the letter have also been forwarded to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and DGP Idashisha Nongrang for necessary action.
