Shillong, Dec 16: Education minister Rakkam A Sangma has termed “unfortunate” a Hindu religious outfit threatening to block inter-state routes of Meghalaya with Assam over prohibition on rituals conducted at Mawjymbuin cave in Mawsynram.
“I always used to say that religious groups never make threats and they are not the proper group to give such threats. This is unfortunate,” Sangma said on Monday.
Asserting that religion is for peace, he said, “We worship God for peace and harmony for individuals, for the family and for the community.”
“I think a religious group threatening like this doesn’t sound good… if they do not give a good message, they are not a real religious group,” he said.
The right wing group Kutumba Surakshya Parishad (KSP) had issued a 10-day ultimatum for the Meghalaya government to reopen the Mawjymbuin cave for Hindu rituals, which was prohibited by the local dorbar shnong due to various reasons.
Led by saffron activist Satya Ranjan Borah, the KSM blamed the state authorities, including deputy commissioner and superintendent of police, for neglecting their duty in resolving the issue despite a directive from Meghalaya High Court.
Meghalaya High Court had directed the state government to engage with relevant stakeholders to seek a resolution.
Stating that the Hindu group should respect local sentiment, Sangma urged the Hindu outfit not to remain adamant on their demand.
“Worshipping in Mawsynram doesn’t make you and him different… God is omnipresent,” he added.
