Shillong, Aug 14: High Court of Meghalaya has termed as unfortunate the stalemate over pilgrimage to Mawjymbuin cave.
“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”, the court said on Wednesday.
The court also noted the ‘concession’ made by Yatra, the petitioner in this regard that they are willing to call off the yatra to await a resolution of the entire matter.
As no decision could be arrived at during the hearing due to the paucity of time as cited by the Dorbar of the area, the court favoured a committee to be constituted to resolve the iasue.
The next hearing is on August 22.
The full text of court order below
1. Pursuant to the order dated 08-08-2024, passed by this Court whereby the respondents No. 6, 7, & 8 were allowed some time to resolve the issue in question with regard to the grant of No Objection Certificate for conducting the annual pilgrimage to Krem Mawjymbuin, Mawsynram, today, the said respondents have expressed their inability at this juncture to come to any resolution in view of the paucity of time.
2. Mr. 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.
3. Mr. S.Jindal, learned 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Accordingly, it is directed that the Deputy Commissioner, East
Khasi Hills District who is present in Court today, propose the names of
the entities and persons or stake holders 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
constituents of the Committee within one week from today.
7. Accordingly, list this matter on 22-08-2024 for supply of the list and
for further orders.
8. 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. To
avoid any untoward incidents, it is directed that the Superintendent of
Police, East Khasi Hills District to instruct the Officer In/charge,
Mawsynram to place a picket of police personnel for maintenance of
security in the said area.
