By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 14: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Laban Circle on Tuesday sealed a structure at Lower Lumparing, alleging that it was illegally being used as a mosque without approval from the local Dorbar Shnong.
Acting on complaints from residents, members of the union visited the site and claimed that the premises had been converted into a place of worship named “Lumparing Masjid” without obtaining the required permissions from the Dorbar Shnong or other competent authorities.
According to the KSU, the land was originally designated as a caretaker’s quarters for an individual responsible for maintaining a nearby Muslim graveyard. However, over time, the structure was allegedly repurposed into a religious site.
Following the complaint, the Dorbar Shnong of Lower Lumparing reportedly conducted an inspection and directed that the signboard bearing the name “Lumparing Masjid” be removed. However, the KSU claimed that the directive had not been complied with.
KSU Laban Circle general secretary Shiningstar Chyne said the organisation carried out its own inspection and confirmed that the site was being used for religious activities. He also alleged sanitation issues, stating that waste from the premises was being discharged into surrounding areas.
Chyne further raised concerns over the presence of an imam residing at the location, claiming that the individual had been staying there for approximately six months without proper documentation, NOC or police verification.
“This is a clear violation of Dorbar Shnong regulations, as any outsider residing in the locality must have valid documents and clearance,” he said.
He added that the union has asked the imam to vacate the premises and warned that the site cannot continue to function as a place of worship without proper legal authorisation.
The KSU leader also alleged that those managing the site failed to produce valid documents to justify the establishment of a mosque at the location.
Chyne further added that it will continue to engage with the Dorbar Shnong to ensure that appropriate steps are taken in accordance with local laws and regulations to prevent such illegal activities.
