There was a positive result to the meeting held here today to discuss the Mawjymbuin cave issue, with the Assam-based Kutumba Suraksha Parishad (KSP) accepting the need for standard operating procedures (SOPs) to protect the natural environment found in the area.
The meeting was convened by the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner with representatives of the KSP and Mawsynram dorbar shnong in attendance.
The cave came to the fore in August last year when the dorbar shnong restricted religious activity in the cave after an announcement by a Hindu group that it would organise a pilgrimage to the cave that month. The cave is famous for its natural stalagmite, which is in the shape of a Shivalingam.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, KSP president Ranjan Borah said that SOPs should be followed to protect the naturally formed stalagmite and other cave features.
“Being citizens of this country, we have the fundamental duty to protect the environment,” Borah said, adding that lights, earthen lamps (diyas), burning of incense or excessive noise inside the cave should be avoided as it is a sensitive environmental area and tourist spot.
Although the dorbar shnong’s directive last year had often been reported as a ‘ban’ on religious activity in the cave, Borah said that there is no outright ban but merely restrictions to protect the environmental beauty of the place. Hindu devotees are free to visit and worship at the cave between 9am and 5pm every day, with special arrangements to be made during the sacred month of Shravan.
Meanwhile, it emerged that the KSP had been instigated into protesting about the ‘ban’ by two groups, the Seng Khasi Hima Mawsynram and Meghalaya Indigenous Minority Tribals Forum.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Mawsynram dorbar shnong Assistant Rangbah Shnong and spokesperson Hiamdor Rapsang said that the DC had produced a letter from the Seng Khasi headquarters to state that the Seng Khasi Hima Mawsynram organisation was not recognised by the parent body.
Rapsang claimed that this group does not operate in the public’s interest but only for the personal interest of people within the organisation.
Rapsang also reiterated that Mawjymbuin cave is a tourist spot and turning it into a place of worship will not be entertained.
“Any tourists from any part of India are welcome to visit the cave but they need to follow the SOPs laid down by the Mawsynram dorbar shnong. Persons from any religion can visit the cave but follow the SoPs,” he said.
