KSU petitions EKH DC over Muharram procession, cites late-night noise, traffic chaos, safety risks

SHILLONG, JUN 30: Alleging violations of administrative orders and public inconvenience, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Laban Circle has written to the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner seeking action against organisers of the Muharram procession held in Laban last week.

In its letter on Tuesday, the Union said it was “expressing its concern regarding the complaints received against the Muharram procession held at Laban on 26th June, 2026 (Friday).”

“It has been reported that the procession disturbed the peace and tranquillity of the area, disrupted the flow of traffic, and raised safety concerns for passers-by,” KSU Laban Circle President Jason Laloo and General Secretary Shining Star Chyne stated in the letter.

According to the KSU, processions were held on June 25 from Red Cross, Laban to St. John area, Lower Lumparing, and back, and on June 26 from Red Cross, Laban towards Civil Hospital Junction via Oxford Hill, KOR, Last Stop, and Rhino Point, before returning to Red Cross, Laban.

The Union said both were to end by 9:30 PM “in accordance with the order issued by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner” but “continued until 11:00 PM, thereby directly violating the order of the District Administration.”

The letter said the Union had received complaints from students in Laban, KOR, and Lower Lumparing Dorbars “regarding the loud drumming and chanting during the late hours of the procession, which adversely affected their preparation for their respective mid-term examinations.”

KSU also flagged “street performances involving swords and fire displays” during the procession attended by “hundreds of participants.”

The Union called such activities “extremely dangerous,” adding that “reports indicate that passers-by were struck by flying fire sparks, which is a matter of grave concern.”

Traffic movement was another issue raised.

The Union said the procession “caused significant disruption to the flow of traffic, particularly along the narrow streets of the above-mentioned Dorbars,” and claimed the event “came to a halt approximately every 50 to 80 metres to perform sword demonstrations and fire dances, causing severe inconvenience and obstructing emergency services, including ambulances, particularly along the highway route.”

While affirming that the Union respects every religion and every individual’s right to profess and practise their faith, the KSU stated it “cannot condone any activity that directly or indirectly affects the peace, tranquillity, safety, and security of the residents as a whole.”

The Union urged the district administration to “take appropriate action against the organisers of the procession so that such inconveniences are not repeated in the future and that all public processions are conducted strictly in accordance with the law and established guidelines.”

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