Shillong, Aug 15: The annual pilgrimage to Mawjymbuin cave in Mawsynram has been called off after the dorbar shnong has expressed inability to come to any resolution due to paucity of time.
This was informed by the Yatra, the organisation which holds the pilgrimage, before the Meghalaya High Court during the hearing on the matter here on Wednesday.
The high court has directed the formation of a committee to look into the management of Mawjymbuin cave.
In its order, the Court said that the respondents, which were allowed sometime to resolve the issue in question with regard to the grant of No Objection Certificate for conducting the annual pilgrimage to Krem Mawjymbuin, Mawsynram, have expressed their inability at this juncture to come to any resolution in view of the paucity of time.
“H.Rapsang, the Assistant Headman/Rangbah Shnong of Mawsynram village who is also the spokesperson, has submitted before this Court that they accept and know the fact that the Krem Mawjymbuin is an important tourist attraction, apart from being a sacred place venerated by many worshipers of different faiths, he however, has prayed that in order to come to a proper consensus and to evolve certain procedures to allow peaceful visitation to the said site, some more consultation is
necessary,” it said.
S Jindal, counsel for the petitioner, on the submission of the said Assistant Headman/Rangbah Shnong also submits that it is understood that due to the paucity of time, may be a decision or resolution could not be arrived at, and has agreed under instructions, that for this year perhaps the proposed yatra be called off to await further developments in this regard.
“Upon hearing the submissions of the parties today, it is indeed unfortunate that no resolution could be arrived at to allow the petitioners organization to organize the yatra which is sacred to them in their belief. This Court also notes the concession made by the petitioners organization in this regard that they are willing to call off the said yatra to await a resolution of the entire matter,” the Court said in its order.
The court has also directed the formation of a committee to look into the entire issue while keeping in mind the sanctity of the place, environmental consideration and also religious consideration.
“As the matter deserves further consideration before any final orders are passed, this Court considers it expedient that a Committee be formed to look into the entire aspect of the matter and how the cave is to be managed, keeping in mind the sanctity of the place, environmental consideration and also religious consideration,” it said.
Accordingly, the Court has directed that the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District to propose the names of the entities and persons or stakeholders who will constitute the Committee to examine the matter and to arrive at a solution that is acceptable to all.
“The Deputy Commissioner undertakes to supply the list of the prospective consti tuents of the Committee within one week from today. Accordingly, list this matter on 22 -08 -2024 for supply of the list and for further orders,” it said.
Further, the Court has warned stern action against those spreading falsehood and threats with regard to the issue even as it directed the SP of East Khasi Hills to place a picket of police to maintain security of the Mawjymbuin cave.
“It has further been brought to the notice of the Court that certain persons and entities have been active in spreading falsehood and threats with regard to the use of the holy place. It is put to general information that in the event such further falsehood is spread, appropriate action will be taken by this Court immediately on the same being taken notice of,” it said.
“To avoid any untoward incidents, it is directed that the Superintendent of Police , East Khasi Hills Distric t to instruct the Officer In/charge, Mawsynram to place a picket of police personnel for maintenance of security in the said area,” the Court further stated in its order.
