Khasi Students’ Union shuts down alleged illegal masjid

The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), a prominent student body in Meghalaya, has shut down the Lumparing Masjid, alleging that the masjid was operating illegally as a prayer hall without the consent of relevant authorities.
The premises located at Lower Lumparing was originally designated for the residence of a chowkidar responsible for overseeing a nearby Muslim burial ground, but was later converted into a mosque, Shiningstar Chyne, the General Secretary of KSU Laban circle, said.
“The masjid had been set up illegally on land whose ownership remains unclear and without obtaining mandatory approvals from the local Dorbar Shnong (traditional village council) or relevant authorities,” Chyne said.
Moreover, he said that the traditional village council of Lower Lumparing had earlier directed the masjid authorities to shut down the masjid following a complaint, but those managing the masjid did not pay heed to the village council’s order.
During the inspection, the KSU members also asked the imam of the Lumparing masjid staying at the site to vacate the premises, alleging that he had been residing there without authorisation and preaching Islam at the site.
Chyne said that the KSU would soon lodge a complaint with the authorities to completely remove the masjid.