Shillong, April 14: The Khasi Students Union (KSU) Laban Circle on Tuesday sealed a religious structure at Lower Lumparing, alleging that it had been illegally converted into a mosque by members of the Muslim community.
In a statement issued by KSU Laban Circle General Secretary Shiningstar Chyne, the union said that after conducting an inquiry into the ownership of the land, it was found that the plot did not belong to any individual. The KSU alleged that a mosque, named Lumparing Masjid, had been constructed on the site without obtaining permission from the Dorbar Shnong or the concerned authorities.
Based on these findings, the union proceeded to lock the premises and also removed the Imam who was reportedly residing there and conducting religious teachings.
The KSU further claimed that the land had originally been allotted for the construction of a house for a chowkidar tasked with looking after a Muslim graveyard, but was later converted into a mosque.
Following a complaint from the KSU, the Dorbar Shnong Lower Lumparing conducted an inspection and decided to dismantle the structure.
The union also informed that it will soon file a formal complaint with the authorities, seeking complete removal of the alleged illegal mosque from the area.
