By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 29: The Mahadev Khola Welfare Trust has strongly objected to the “illegal settlers” tag used by the Khasi Students’ Union for priests and their families residing at Mahadev Khola and has demanded that the state government withdraw the description and formally clarify their status.
It cautioned that if the government does not act and provide clarity on the status of the residents, it will approach the Prime Minister’s Office and pursue legal remedies.
In a statement on Saturday, the Trust said the families living at the site are descendants of late priest Shiv Narayan Mishra, whose lineage has been responsible for the daily worship and maintenance of the Mahadev Khola Temple for generations.
According to the Trust, these families have been settled at the location prior to Independence and long before Meghalaya attained Statehood.
The Trust said the “illegal settlers” tag is factually incorrect and undermines the identity of families associated with the temple for decades. It added that the characterisation raises concerns about the treatment of non-tribal residents and has the potential to create avoidable friction.
Describing Mahadev Khola Dham as a sacred religious site, the Trust said interference by “external groups” affects the sentiments of the Hindu community and raises questions about the protection of religious rights.
It also urged the state government not to act under pressure from “extra-constitutional elements,” stating that decisions relating to religious sites should be guided by facts, legal provisions and historical records.
The Trust appealed to the public to support the priest’s families, saying the matter concerns the dignity of those who have safeguarded the temple across generations.
In its demands, the Trust sought withdrawal of the “illegal settlers” label, recognition of Mahadev Khola Dham as a religious heritage site, security and uninterrupted worship at the location, and protection of constitutional rights for all citizens.
The developments come just days after Revenue Minister Lahkmen Rymbui assured that the government will examine the Maxwelton Estate land dispute and the alleged illegal settlements at Mahadev Khola. His assurance followed an ultimatum from the KSU.
Earlier, the KSU warned of “action’’ if authorities continued to delay steps against what it described as illegal settlements in both areas.
KSU general secretary Donald V. Thabah said the union had raided the sites multiple times and submitted evidence to the government.
He said that at Mahadev Khola, which he stated was originally allocated only for a temple, residential and commercial structures have emerged over the years and are occupied largely by non-tribals, including shops, buildings and rented accommodation.
