Shillong: The district administration of Meghalaya’s Ri Bhoi has issued a prohibition on protests planned for December 24 by the Assam-based Hindu organization Kutumba Surakshya Parishad (KSP) in Byrnihat and Khanapara.
The decision aims to ensure peace and security during the Christmas season, following rising tensions over the Mawjymbuin Cave dispute.
The KSP had earlier issued a 10-day ultimatum, demanding the reopening of the Mawjymbuin Cave in Meghalaya for Hindu rituals. In response to the ultimatum, the group announced plans for a protest in the border areas of Byrnihat and Khanapara.
However, the Ri Bhoi administration acted preemptively, banning the protests to avoid disruptions and potential unrest.
Concerns over the situation have extended to the Assam-Meghalaya border, with Kamrup Metro police and district authorities on high alert to maintain peace and order.
The proposed blockade, reportedly linked to the KSP’s demands, poses a threat to the critical transport corridor connecting the two northeastern states.
On December 23, Meghalaya’s Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) appealed to Assam’s Chief Secretary to intervene and prevent any road blockade by right-wing factions, warning of the potential for heightened tensions and violence in the region.
HITO emphasized the importance of resolving the Mawjymbuin Cave issue through traditional governance mechanisms and peaceful dialogue, underscoring the risks of allowing disputes to escalate further.
The actions taken by the Ri Bhoi administration reflect the delicate balance required to maintain harmony in the region, particularly during a period of heightened sensitivity around the festive season.