SHILLONG, April 17: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Friday voiced strong opposition to the Meghalaya BJP’s reported plan to develop the Mawjymbuin Cave in Mawsynram under central tourism schemes, cautioning against any attempt to project the site along religious lines.
Expressing concern over reports that the BJP is considering proposals under the PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan 2.0 schemes, VPP spokesperson Airpeace W. Rani stated that such plans signal a possible effort to promote the cave as a religious destination.
He asserted that the Mawjymbuin Cave is purely a natural tourist attraction and must remain so. “It should not be linked to any religion or faith in any manner whatsoever,” Rani said.
He added that any attempt to interpret or develop the site as a religious or cultural centre would be “deeply concerning and unacceptable.”
The VPP spokesperson also recalled that previous attempts to associate the cave with a particular religion had sparked public debate and even legal intervention. He stressed that the cave must not be turned into a pilgrimage destination under any circumstances.
Urging restraint, Rani called on authorities and all stakeholders to respect public sentiment and avoid actions that could lead to division and unrest in the region.
It may be added that the Meghalaya unit of the BJP is preparing to submit proposals to the Centre for the development of key religious and cultural sites under the PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan 2.0 schemes.
Senior BJP leader Alexander Laloo Hek said on Wednesday that discussions were held with central leaders to identify potential sites, including the Weiking Ground of Seng Khasi Kmie, the Aitnar site in Jowai associated with the Behdienkhlam Festival, the historic Presbyterian Church at Nongsawlia and any one prominent Catholic Church.
Hek added that preliminary discussions are also under way for the development of Mawjymbuin Cave — known for its natural Shivaling-like formation — subject to approval by the local Dorbar Shnong.
Clarifying the intent, he said the initiative is not politically driven and that any development would ultimately be handed over to local bodies.
