By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 17: In the aftermath of right-wing Assam religious group Kutumba Suraksha Parishad threatening road blockades against Meghalaya, United Democratic Party (UDP) MLA from Mawsynram, Ollan Singh Suin on Tuesday asked the state government to intervene and assess the threat perception.
“Since this group has already threatened to do demonstrations like road blockades, I think the government should intervene and have a look at it,” Suin told reporters.
On the group’s demand to let religious rituals be carried out in the Mawjymbuin cave, he said, “These groups have been raising the issue for the last few months and the district administration had first sought permission from the local Dorbar but it declined to give NOC. The district administration had to go in line with the local Dorbar’s decision to not allow any organisation to perform rituals and rites inside the cave.”
Suin pointed out that the matter is sub-judice and the High Court of Meghalaya has instructed the district administration to form a committee to arrive at a resolution. It has been constituted by drawing members from the Tourism Department, local Dorbar and the district administration.
“The local Dorbar has stuck to its decision of not allowing any rituals inside the Mawjymbuin cave. That matter was brought to my notice,” Suin said, adding that since the cave falls under the “lookout” of the Dorbar, the external force cannot intrude into its decision.
The religious group, meanwhile, reiterated its threat to disrupt road communication between Assam and Meghalaya if the ban on worship by Hindu devotees at the cave is not lifted within 10 days.
The Mawsynram Dorbar Shnong had reportedly banned Hindu devotees from offering prayers at the Mawjymbuin cave, which is well-known for its natural stone formation resembling a Shivaling.
The geologically-significant cave is located about 60 km southwest of Shillong.
Recently, Satya Ranjan Borah, who is the chief of the Kutumba Suraksha Parishad, told the media in Assam that the group had demanded an explanation from the Meghalaya authorities on the issue. He had warned of protests and potential blockades on key roads connecting the two states if the ban on worship at the Mawjymbuin cave is not lifted within 10 days.