By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 14: The Executive Committee of the Mawkhar Presbyterian Church on Thursday alleged political interference in its internal affairs, claiming government machinery is being used to silence dissenting voices amid an ongoing dispute within the congregation.
The committee claimed that a faction, reportedly backed by the Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian (KJP) Synod Sepngi, approached an influential political leader in an attempt to “forcefully take over” the church management. This move, the committee alleged, is intended to suppress the findings of a special audit report that reportedly unearthed major misappropriation of church funds.
In a related development, Rev. McDonald Pyngrope filed a First Information Report (FIR) on Thursday on behalf of the church. The complaint, filed under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), alleges misappropriation, fraud, forgery, and the diversion of church funds for personal gain during the 2023-2024 period.
The FIR stated that an internal inquiry and legal review identified individuals involved who were given “ample time” over the past two years to confess, but failed to do so. The complaint also referenced a pending 2019 case (State vs. Alfast Bareh) currently before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate.
The dispute recently reached the Joint Registrar of Societies. During a hearing on February 10, one party, represented by Augustin Syiemlieh and Geraldton Pakma, noted that the “Mawkhar Presbyterian Church, Shillong” was registered in 2015 and renewed in 2025. The second party, represented by FF Ropmay and Dr B Pillarstone Toi, raised objections to internal amendments within the organisation.
The Joint Registrar observed that the conflict stems from internal misunderstandings rather than the renewal process itself. Citing the Registration Act, 1983, the authority declared the matter an internal affair and disposed of the case.
Disturbed members of the congregation have argued that the government should not enter the spiritual domain. They maintained that the misappropriation of funds intended for charity and education cannot be condoned, demanding that those responsible repay the defrauded amounts rather than being shielded by church leadership.
