Shillong, Jan 3: In a major breakthrough after weeks of tension due to the row over the worship in Mawjymbuin cave in Mawsynram, the key stakeholders including the Dorbar Shnong of Mawsynram and the Kutumba Surakshya Parishad (KSP) have announced that the issue has been resolved and that it was majorly due to a misunderstanding. At the same time, a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) was also agreed upon that the visitors need to abide by.

The crucial meeting of key stakeholders involved in Mawjymbuin cave’s affairs including East Khasi Hills SP, Chief Engineer (R) PWD, Mawsynram Dorbar representative, KPS president, Addl DC in-charge Municipal East Khasi Hills, Divisional Forest Officer East Khasi Hills, Member Sec MSPCB, BDO Mawsynram, tourism officials, and Gen Sec CPC, was chaired by East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah.

While KSP president Satya Ranjan Borah said the meeting was ‘successful’ and that devotees would be allowed to worship at the cave in accordance with the laid down guidelines, the Dorbar Shnong was categorical that no worship would be allowed at the site.

“I think till date Mawjymbuin case is over and we will see what is going to happen and they have issued orders and we believe on that,” Borah said, adding that the organization will wait and watch in the next coming days to decide on their next course of action.

During the meeting, Borah said that the delegation of KSP was informed that there was no ban imposed by the Mawsynram Dorbar Shnong. “Everyone is allowed. There was no ban. Anyone can go there 365 days from 9am to 5pm onwards but they have to maintain some standard operating procedures (SOPs). There are some SOPs and we do accept those SOPs…” he informed while adding that the delegation was also assured of some special arrangements.

He asserted that there was ‘no ban’ on worshiping. On the kind of worship allowed as per the SOPs, he explained, “So no ban on our worshipping there. Worshipping means we sit there and say our prayers and that can be done anytime anywhere,” he said.

The SOPs include bar on burning of diyas, offering flowers, or burning of incense sticks, or engage in other rituals.

No threats issued: KSP
On the threats to block key roads of Meghalaya, Borah said, “There is no threat from Hindu groups. People are misinterpreting things. Yes, we say about the blocking of roads if the ban is not withdrawn but they say there is no ban.”

Further, the KSP president urged all concerns to respect the Constitution of India. “I request every one, who is from Meghalaya, Assam and anywhere in India – everyone should respect the Constitution of India, everyone should value the constitution of India and I think once we do our fundamental duties as prescribed in Article 51 (a) of the Constitution of India, there should not be any hassle in the coming days,” he stated.

Later, issuing an official statement, the KSP said Friday’s meeting was healthy and that the stakeholders have agreed to made some significant arrangements, if required, for the devotees during the time of Shravan.

It also shared that they were approached by Seng Khasi Hima Mawsynram (Meghalaya) and Meghalaya Indigenous Minorities Tribal Forum (MIMTF) over the issue.

Mawsynram Dorbar says ‘no worship’ inside cave, KSP misled

On the other hand, Assistant Rangbah Shnong and spokesperson of Mawsynram Dorbar, Hiamdor Rapsang, said the Dorbar Shnong has never been permitted worship inside the cave.

Rapsang said individuals or groups may visit the cave, but they must respect the rules laid down by the Dorbar Shnong. “Worshipping inside the cave or converting it into a mandir or temple is strictly prohibited, as the cave is a tourist spot. We must respect all visitors who come to explore the cave,” he emphasised.

He also mentioned that the Kutumba Surakshya Parishad (KSP) had been misled regarding the cave’s status. “When the KSP visited today, they acknowledged the situation. People from across India visit the Mawjymbuin cave, particularly during special occasions. They saw the sign board displaying the conditions and expressed satisfaction after visiting,” he said.

Read: Miao Diocese celebrates historic ordination of the sixth indigenous priest

WATCH:

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Also, Follow us on-

Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub

Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020

Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub

Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub