Tension gripped parts of Shillong on Tuesday after the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) shut down a mosque in the Lower Lumparing area, alleging illegal construction. The Shillong mosque dispute escalated as members of the student body confronted those present at the site and demanded its closure.
Shillong Mosque Dispute Over Illegal Construction Claim
KSU said the mosque lacked required permissions. The group claimed authorities and locals had not approved the structure. KSU Laban Circle leader Shiningstar Chyne said the land was meant for a caretaker’s house. He added that it served a nearby graveyard.
“Muslims had constructed the Masjid illegally on this land without obtaining permission from the locality or from the concerned authorities,” Chyne said. He added that the purpose of the structure changed over time, with the building now functioning as a mosque without approval.
KSU Shuts Down Mosque in Shillong’s Lower Lumparing Area
KSU members reached the site and shut down the mosque. They asked people present to leave. The group said the structure violated local norms. It insisted the building lacked approval as a place of worship.
The Shillong mosque dispute has since drawn attention across the city, with questions raised about how the construction took place without official clearance.
KSU Confronts Imam Amid Shillong Mosque Dispute
Videos circulating on social media showed KSU members confronting the imam at the Lumparing mosque and asking him to leave. They alleged that he stayed at the site without permission and carried out religious activities without approval.
The footage showed tense moments between the group and those present, though no violence was immediately reported. The mosque dispute continues to gain traction online as these visuals spread.
Dorbar Shnong Inspected Site Before Shillong Mosque Dispute Escalation
The dispute has also brought focus to the role of local governance. The Dorbar Shnong, a traditional village council of the Khasi community, had earlier inspected the site after receiving complaints from residents.
According to the KSU, the council had recommended removing the structure, but authorities did not act at the time. The mosque dispute has now revived those concerns.
KSU Seeks Government Action in Shillong Mosque Dispute
The student union said it will escalate the matter and approach higher authorities to ensure the removal of what it described as an unauthorised structure. “We will approach the concerned authorities and push for necessary action,” Chyne said.
There has been no immediate response from the district administration. Officials have not clarified whether they will verify the claims or take legal action.
The Shillong mosque dispute continues to raise concerns about legality, community tensions and administrative response, as authorities remain silent on the next steps.
