The district administration and police in Ri-Bhoi are on alert with tomorrow’s threatened protest by a fringe Assam-based group, the Kutumba Suraksha Parishad (KSP).
The KSP wants the ban on religious activities in Mawjymbuin cave in Mawsynram reversed. The cave is famous for its natural stalagmite, which is in the shape of a Shivalingam and, as such, would draw Hindu visitors to it.
Although Mawsynram is in East Khasi Hills, the KSP’s focus for its planned agitation is Ri-Bhoi, namely Byrnihat, which is the gateway to Meghalaya. The group had threatened to block the highways into and out of the state, thereby crippling trade and tourism.
The Ri-Bhoi district authorities have assured strict measures to prevent such activities that could disrupt public peace and harmony.
Speaking to the media, Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal and Superintendent of Police VS Rathore confirmed that district authorities are closely monitoring the situation. They stressed that no protest or disruptive activity will be permitted, especially during the festive season of Christmas and New Year, as such actions could disturb public peace and security.
The officials further stated that the police have already engaged in discussions with their counterparts in Assam’s Kamrup Metro district, ensuring cooperation to prevent any such protests. Similarly, the DC’s office has also coordinated with the DC of Kamrup Metro to restrict the planned protest from taking place.
