The Meghalaya High Court today has asked the government to report on cremation facilities available in the state.
The court said the state will have to report on the cremation facilities available in Shillong, Tura, Jowai, Nongstoin and Nongpoh.
The directive by the court came after a PIL was filed by the Seng Khasi Hima Mawsynram. “It is necessary to ensure that there are adequate facilities available not only in Shillong but elsewhere in the major towns in the State to afford a dignified process of cremation or burial,” the court said.
The division bench of the high court comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice B Bhattacharjee said that such facilities should be available for all the major communities in the State including the tribes; so that the last rites can be performed and traditional customs adhered to with a degree of dignity and in a quiet atmosphere.
“The State should make every endeavour to augment the existing facilities, including setting up of electric crematoria, if necessary. Care should be taken to ensure that environmental concerns are also addressed,” the division bench said.