By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 18: The High Court of Meghalaya on Monday stayed the traditional religious ceremony “Ka Leh Niam Raid Mylliem,” scheduled for May 19 at Mawnarian, following a dispute over the participation of a representative alleged to have converted to Christianity.
Hearing an application filed by Kyrshon Marbaniang and another, a single bench of Justice Wanlura Diengdoh passed an ad-interim order staying the ceremony until further orders.
The petitioners argued that the ritual is exclusive to the Niam Khasi (indigenous) faith. They contended that a Myntri representing the ‘5 Kur, 11 Kur’ under Hima Mylliem is a practicing Christian and therefore ineligible to lead or participate in the sacred rite, as it would violate customary religious practices.
The matter is connected to a pending writ petition which asserts that only followers of the Niam Khasi faith from eligible clans should be permitted to perform the ritual.
In court, counsel for the Syiem of Mylliem argued there was no urgency and noted that a May 8 meeting had resolved that the Myntri in question should participate.
The bench observed that the controversy involves a sensitive area of faith and customary practice. Citing potential law and order concerns, the court ordered the stay.
“Taking into consideration not only the sentiment of the people involved, but also the apprehension of a possible law and order situation, this Court is constrained to order for a stay of the said ceremony as far as 19.05.2026 is concerned,” the order stated.
The matter is listed for further hearing on May 19.
