Meghalaya High Court Orders Police Deployment at Mawjymbuin Cave Amid Pilgrimage Dispute
Northeast, 15th August: The High Court of Meghalaya has mandated the deployment of police at Mawjymbuin Cave in East Khasi Hills District following a dispute surrounding an annual pilgrimage. The directive was issued during a hearing on a writ petition filed by the Yatra Committee against the State of Meghalaya, Dorbar Shnong Mawsynram, and other parties.
The court, addressing the issue of misinformation, cautioned that any further spread of falsehoods would be met with swift judicial action. “It is put to general information that in the event such further falsehood is spread, appropriate action will be taken by this Court immediately on the same being taken notice of,” the court stated.
To ensure security, the court ordered the Superintendent of Police for East Khasi Hills District to set up a police picket at the site. Additionally, the court recommended forming a committee to manage the cave, taking into account its sanctity, environmental considerations, and religious significance.
“As the matter deserves further consideration before any final orders are passed, this Court considers it expedient that a committee be formed to look into the entire aspect of the matter,” the court order stated. The Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills District was tasked with nominating committee members within a week.
Meanwhile, H. Rapsang, Mawsynram Assistant Rangbah Shnong and spokesperson, cited time constraints and the need for further consultation as reasons for reconsidering the decision not to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the pilgrimage.
The Yatra Committee’s advocate, S. Jindal, acknowledged the time limitations and agreed to defer this year’s pilgrimage while awaiting further developments.
The court expressed regret that a resolution could not be reached to allow the sacred yatra to proceed but noted the petitioners’ readiness to postpone the event in hopes of finding a solution.
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