Shillong: A stakeholder meeting held at the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner’s office has confirmed that worship at the Mawjymbuin Cave Shivling in Mawsynram will remain unrestricted, a statement from Kutumba Surakshya Parishad (KSP) President Satya Ranjan Borah revealed.
Representatives from the Deputy Commissioner’s office and Dorbar Shnong Hima Mawsynram agreed to establish daily visiting hours from 9 am to 5 pm, with special arrangements planned for the holy month of Shravan to accommodate devotees.
In the official statement, it was clarified that there is no ban on worshipping the Shivling at the historic site. Environmental safeguards were unanimously agreed upon, including prohibitions on the use of smoke-generating items such as dias and incense sticks within the cave premises to preserve its natural surroundings. The measures were endorsed by all stakeholders, including a 16-member delegation from the KSP.
Satya Ranjan Borah highlighted KSP’s commitment to fostering unity and social harmony. He stated that their involvement was prompted by appeals from the Seng Khasi Hima Mawsynram and the Meghalaya Indigenous Minorities Tribal Forum, both of which sought KSP’s support in resolving the dispute. Borah also expressed gratitude to the Meghalaya government and the East Khasi Hills District Administration for their proactive approach in addressing the concerns.
The KSP has submitted a formal letter to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma through the Deputy Commissioner’s office, detailing their participation in the discussions and presenting specific proposals for the management of the Mawjymbuin Cave. Borah emphasized the organization’s constitutional responsibility to uphold fundamental rights, including the right to worship, freedom of expression, and movement.
The letter outlined several key suggestions for the cave’s management, such as implementing defined worship rules, restricting the use of dias and incense sticks, limiting the offering of flowers and fruits directly on the Shivling, and redistributing offerings to the local needy. Additionally, KSP proposed measures to elevate the cave’s significance at a national level while respecting the beliefs and traditions of the local community.
In closing, the letter reaffirmed KSP’s dedication to preserving Meghalaya’s cultural heritage. “We sincerely love the beauty and feel the pride for the age-old indigenous cultural heritage of Meghalaya,” it stated. The meeting and subsequent agreements mark a significant step forward in balancing spiritual practices, environmental conservation, and cultural respect at this revered site.
Read More: Assam: New FM Transmitter Inaugurated in Kokrajhar, Bringing All India Radio to the BTR