SHILLONG: The Yatra, a registered society, has called off the annual pilgrimage to Mawjymbuin Cave in Meghalaya’s Mawsynram this year following the ongoing legal proceedings over the matter.
The decision was announced during a hearing at the Meghalaya High Court on Wednesday.
The Yatra, which organizes the annual pilgrimage, made the decision after the local governing body, the Dorbar Shnong, expressed its inability to reach a resolution in time.
According to the court, the respondents, who had been given time to resolve the matter of granting a No Objection Certificate for the pilgrimage, were unable to do so due to time constraints.
The court expressed regret that no agreement could be reached to allow the pilgrimage, which is sacred to the organizers.
However, the court suggested forming a committee to manage and maintain the sanctity of the place, considering the cave’s environmental and religious importance.
Justice Thangkhiew also directed the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills district to propose the names of entities and stakeholders to constitute the committee and to supply the list of prospective members within a week.
Besides, the court issued a warning against those spreading misinformation or making threats related to the use of the holy site.
The Superintendent of Police for East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya has been instructed to deploy police personnel near the cave to ensure security.
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The case will be reviewed again on August 22 for further orders and the submission of the committee member list.
Earlier, Yatra had contested the Dorbar Shnong Mawsynram’s refusal to issue a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the pilgrimage.
The Dorbar Shnong’s decision has reportedly triggered widespread discontent among the Hindu communities.
