HC orders panel to initiate common cremation grounds  

Hindu, Khasi, Jaintia community members decide to share cremation facilities  

Shillong, July 30: Some members of Hindu, Khasi and Jaintia communities have agreed to share cremation facilities following a Meghalaya High Court initiative in this regard even as the court ordered more deliberations among communities to consider common cremation grounds.

The high court directed a committee constituted by the chief secretary to convene and hold further meetings to resolve disputes related to crematoria and cemetery facilities for various communities in the state.

“We direct the Committee to convene and hold more meetings and arrive at a decision,” the division bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh said in its order after hearing a PIL on Wednesday.

The court also directed the committee to explore this option further and consider acquiring land for cremation purposes if necessary.

The bench has noted division between Hindus and Khasi-Jaintia communities regarding sharing of crematoria, and the shortage of burial space for members of the Christian community, who are spread across various denominations with their own cemeteries.

To address these issues, it has appointed an Amicus Curiae to facilitate dialogue between stakeholders, including government officials.

The Amicus Curiae informed the court that a meeting has been held and more meetings are likely to be held soon to resolve the dispute.

“We are told by the Amicus Curiae that some members of the Hindu, Khasi and Jaintia communities have agreed to share a common cremation ground. He further submits that if others can be persuaded to follow this, nothing could be better. Otherwise, the Committee might consider acquiring land for cremation purpose also,”the bench stated.

The committee, comprising selected stakeholders, has been tasked with arriving at a decision on the sharing of crematoria and cemetery facilities.

The court has asked the amicus curiae to file a short report on the progress made by the committee.

The PIL has been listed for further hearing on August 14, to ascertain the position and review the committee’s progress.

Hot this week

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education

Shillong, Nov 28: Though it took nearly 25 years...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

Delhi’s first artificial rain still on hold for want of ‘clouds’

New Delhi, Oct 22: Delhi's much-awaited artificial rain experiment...

Pak anti-terrorism court issues non-bailable warrant against Imran Khan’s sister

Islamabad, Oct 22: A Pakistani anti-terrorism court on Wednesday...

Assam’s Festivals Without Zubeen’s Voice

By Satyabrat Borah The absence of Zubeen Garg has cast...

India-led solar project lights up 12 public buildings across 10 Pacific nations

United Nations, Oct 22: India, in collaboration with the...

Cattle rustlers caught by villagers

Tura, Oct 22: Villagers from Gambegre constituency apprehended four...

Pressure group members arrested for extortion

Tura, Oct 22: Three men claiming to be members...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories