The Tour Guides Association Meghalaya (TGAM) has expressed its support for the restrictions imposed by the Dorbar Shnong of Mawsynram on Mawjymbuin cave, a popular tourist spot.
In a letter to the Rangbah Shnong and Secretary Shnong, TGAM president Ialamphang Lyngdoh stated that the association backs the restriction against religious rites being performed at the cave due to the resulting pollution and littering.
Mawjymbuin has become famous among Hindu pilgrims and tourists for its stalagmite that resembles a Shiva lingam. The dorbar has banned prayers and other religious activity in the cave, perhaps fearing that it will be appropriated as a place of worship and the locals will lose control of the site. One particular group had reportedly intended on using it for a prayer service on August 10-11.
Lyngdoh emphasised that the cave is a tourist destination and should be respected as such. He also warned against outside interference from Assam on this matter, stressing that the association will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt local regulations.
An Assam-based organisation, aggrieved by the stricture applied by the dorbar, had threatened to disrupt tourists from visiting Meghalaya in toto.
However, Lyngdoh welcomed tourists to the region, urging them to respect the law of the land and village.