Meghalaya Minister responds to ultimatum on Mawjymbuin Cave: Calls for sensitivity toward local sentiments

Shillong, Dec 16: Meghalaya Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma has called for understanding and sensitivity towards local issues in response to the 10-day ultimatum issued by the Kutumba Surakshya Parishad (KSP), a Hindu organization, demanding the reopening of the Mawjymbuin Cave for Hindu rituals.

The KSP warned that if their demand is not met before Christmas, they would block key routes to Meghalaya, including the Jorabat (near Guwahati) and Paikan (near Goalpara) roads. The group has accused the Meghalaya government of inaction despite previous instructions from the Meghalaya High Court to resolve the matter through stakeholder engagement.

Responding to the ultimatum, Minister Rakkam A. Sangma stressed the importance of respecting local sentiments. He drew a comparison, stating, “If we have church service near Ram Mandir in their eye, it won’t look good. They should understand local issues and sentiments. If they want to follow the right to freedom of religion, we should preach what we practice. What is happening in Assam, we know.”

Sangma criticized the KSP’s threats of road blockades, questioning the group’s intent and religious integrity. “The objective of religion is to worship God for peace and harmony for the individual, community, and state. Those groups threatening (such actions) are not true worshippers of any God, I doubt,” he remarked.

He further added, “Any good worshipping Hindu will not threaten like this, and I doubt them. This is unfortunate, and it should not be. They should not send a wrong message.”

It may be recalled that the controversy surrounding Mawjymbuin Cave, a revered natural limestone formation located near Mawsynram, about 60 kilometers from Shillong, has been simmering for months. The cave is especially significant to Hindus due to its naturally formed Shivalinga-like rock structure, which is continuously bathed by water dripping from stalactites above.

On August 6, 2024, the Dorbar Shnong (local village council) of Mawsynram prohibited all religious rituals inside the cave, citing concerns related to the preservation of the site and other unspecified issues. Following this, the matter reached the Meghalaya High Court, which directed the state government to engage with stakeholders to find a resolution. However, KSP President Satya Ranjan Borah claims that no progress has been made.

Borah accused the government of inefficiency and indifference, alleging that officials, including the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, failed to perform their duties. He also demanded the cessation of “unnecessary activities” near the cave, without elaborating on what these activities were.

Borah has warned that the KSP will proceed with its threat to block essential routes into Meghalaya, including the critical Jorabat and Paikan roads, if the cave is not reopened for Hindu worship within the 10-day period. He declared that if any law-and-order situation arises as a result, the responsibility will lie with the state government.

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