Tensions Rise Over Worship Ban at Mawjymbuin Cave: Assam-based Group Threatens Road Blockade

GUWAHATI: An Assam-based organization, Kutumba Suraksha Parishad (KSP), has issued a warning that it will disrupt the road connectivity between Assam and Meghalaya if the current ban on Hindu worship at the Mawjymbuin cave in Mawsynram, Meghalaya, is not revoked within 10 days.

This cave, situated about 60 km southwest of Shillong, is geologically important and famous for its natural stone formation resembling a Shivaling, a sacred symbol in Hinduism.

The Mawsynram Dorbar Shnong reportedly banned Hindu devotees from praying at the Mawjymbuin cave. The move was made after a Hindu group announced plans to organize a pilgrimage, akin to the Kanwar Yatra, at the cave in August. The local concern was sparked by this announcement, which led to the ban, further infuriating the Hindu communities in Assam.

KSP earlier this year asked the authorities in Meghalaya for an explanation and threatened protest, which may include road blockades to key roads linking Assam and Meghalaya if the ban is not withdrawn.

After the tensions escalated, the Meghalaya High Court intervened by directing the concerned parties in Mawsynram to sit down and discuss an amicable solution. Due to this, KSP temporarily put its protest plans on hold. The situation, however, remained unsolved.

Addressing the media, KSP president Satya Ranjan Borah claimed that despite the court’s directive, no significant progress had been made. He cited recent interactions with a team from Meghalaya, which reportedly presented evidence of harassment faced by Hindu minorities in the area since 2015.

"The Meghalaya High Court had asked for discussions to resolve the matter, and we refrained from protesting. But now, if no step is taken within 10 days, we will have no choice but to disrupt road communication from Jorabat, holding the Meghalaya government accountable for any inconvenience caused to commuters," Borah warned.

He also requested that the Assam Chief Minister consult with the Meghalaya government to resolve the matter quickly.

This matter has a wider dimension to it regarding the relationship between the two bordering states. The KSP warned that the ban on worshipping at the cave could lead to retaliatory moves and even endanger the Meghalaya people traveling in Assam.

Meanwhile, the Yatra, a registered Hindu society, has filed a writ petition in the High Court against the decision taken by the Dorbar Shnong. The High Court passed an order to the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills District to constitute a committee that will take up the issue and report a solution acceptable to both sides.

As the 10-day deadline draws closer, Assam and Meghalaya stand on the brink of a further intensification of tensions. The ultimatum issued by the KSP puts a pressing need for urgent dialogue and resolution to maintain peace and communal harmony. State governments along with the local stakeholders have to take concrete steps in dealing with all the parties' issues to avoid the disruption of their day-to-day life for the commuters and the people residing in that region.

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