Shillong, Nov 29: The Hindu community of the State under the Mahadev Khola Welfare and Trust has expressed their deep pain, shock, and strong objection to the alleged continued branding of the residents of Mahadev Khola as “illegal settlers.”
The Trust stated that this label is not only factually wrong but also a grave insult to the dignity of priest families who have served the Mahadev Temple for generations much before Meghalaya came into existence as a separate state even before the independence of the country.
According to the Trust, people residing at Mahadev Khola are the descendants of Late Priest Shiv Narayan Mishra, whose family has been entrusted with the religious care and daily worship of this sacred temple since long before.
It stated that these families are not encroachers, outsiders, or lawbreakers, but they are caretakers of faith living in the only place they have ever known.
The Trust stated that to call these priestly families “illegal settlers” by the NGO is an emotional attack on their honour, identity, and religious service.
“If the families of Late Shiv Narayan Mishra are considered “illegal,” then by that logic every non-tribals resident of Meghalaya would also have to be labelled illegal, an idea that is unconstitutional, divisive, and dangerous to social harmony,” the Trust stated.
According to the Trust the Mahadev Khola Dham is not a piece of land for political debates, but it is a holy place of worship and a symbol of centuries-old devotion.
“Unwanted interference at this religious site deeply hurts the sentiments of the Hindu community and raises serious concerns about the protection of religious rights in our own country,” the Trust stated.
The Trust has asked the people of Meghalaya from all communities and backgrounds to stand in support of Mahadev Khola Dham and the priest families who have protected this temple for generations.
“This issue is not about politics, it is about justice, faith, and the dignity of human lives,” it stated.
The Trust also warned that if the Government of Meghalaya fails to act immediately to protect the priest families and restore clarity on their lawful status, it will be forced to take this matter to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and seek justice through the Courts of the country.
The Trust has also demanded that the state government, immediately withdraw the false label of “illegal settlers”, recognise and protect Mahadev Khola Dham as a religious heritage site and to ensure full security and freedom of worship without fear or interference.
It also recommended that the constitutional rights of all citizens, regardless of community or background be respected.
“Hindus should never be made to feel like strangers in their own country, especially at their sacred places of worship,” the Trust said.
“This insult to faith, history, and human dignity must end now,” Homnath Gautam, general secretary of the Trust said in the press release.
