Shillong: The ongoing dispute surrounding the Mawjymbuin Cave in Meghalaya has escalated into a major point of conflict between local authorities and Hindu organisations, particularly the Assam-based Kutumba Surakshya Parishad (KSP).
Famous for its naturally occurring Shiva Lingam formation, the cave has been off-limits to Hindu rituals since August 2024.
This closure follows a ban imposed by the Mawsynram Dorbar Shnong (village council), which has become a source of contention.
The KSP has issued an ultimatum, setting a deadline of December 23 for the Meghalaya government to facilitate a meeting with all involved parties and arrange a site visit to the cave.
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If the authorities fail to meet this demand, the organisation plans to stage a road blockade at Byrnihat on December 24.
In a statement, the KSP reiterated that their planned protest is a lawful expression of their constitutional rights under Article 51(A) of the Indian Constitution, which focuses on preserving cultural heritage.
“This is our final request for a meeting with the relevant authorities and for a visit to the site within the specified timeframe. We are performing our constitutional duties, as granted by Article 51(A) of the Constitution of India,” said the group.
The statement also highlighted that in a democratic nation like India, citizens have the right to protest peacefully in support of any cause.
“We urge the office of the Meghalaya Chief Minister to address this issue promptly. If not, we will proceed with our protest at Byrnihat on December 24. The Sanatani Jagrata Prahari and Hindu Surakshya Sena have both confirmed their participation in the demonstration,” the statement added.
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Previously, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has expressed its support for the Mawsynram Dorbar Shnong’s decision to prohibit Hindu rituals inside the Mawjymbuin cave.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya’s Deputy Chief Minister, Sniawbhalang Dhar, has criticised the Assam-based Hindu organisation KSP for threatening to block roads if the state government does not reopen the Mawjymbuin Cave.
“It’s a private property, no one can do anything,” Dhar said.
Adding, the government has never worked under the threat of somebody.
