KSU demands eviction of ‘illegally settled’ people around Mahadev Khola
Shillong, Aug 21: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU)’s demand for eviction of “unauthorised people residing near Mahadev Khola temple in the city is currently being looked into and the government is likely to take a decision based on a report to be submitted by East Khasi Hills district administration.
According to the KSU, East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner RM Kurbah said in a meeting with stakeholders on Wednesday that she would soon submit a report on the issue to the state government for taking a decision on the matter.
“The DC has informed that she would submit a report to the state government (which will soon) to take a decision on the matter,” KSU leader Reuben Najiar told reporters after the DC’s meeting with KSU Laban Circle, dorbar shnong, police and priests of the temple.
Najiar said the Union had made it clear that it is not against the temple, but demands the eviction of people residing there.
According to the 1923 land document obtained through RTI, the land was donated by the British government solely for the construction of the temple, and not for ownership or residential purposes.
The KSU expressed concern over the forest department’s stance on the issue, questioning how the department could claim that land no longer belongs to the department as it was already given to the temple in 1923 when it had been collecting taxes and issuing permissions for years.
The union also disputed the priests’ claim that there are only 64 families residing in the temple, reiterating that the land document does not permit residential purposes.
“The British government did not give the land in the form of a lease or a gift but it has only grant permission for the purpose of construction of the mandir,” the KSU leader said.
He also referred to the eviction drive conducted by the Union against encroachers during 2022-23 and said, “We found that there are people from Assam and other parts of the country, who are without any valid documents, have come and stayed in the temple.”
Najiar said the KSU is determined to ensure that the land is used for its intended purpose – the temple – and not for residential or commercial purposes.
“We have also made it clear that no new structures should be constructed on the land until the government takes a decision,” he added.
