M’laya govt. seeks CBI explanation over temple construction in CBI complex

Shillong, Aug 7: The Meghalaya government has sought an explanation from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over the alleged construction of a temple within its office complex at Mawdiangdiang in the New Shillong Township.
The explanation was sought after the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) urged the state government to examine the 2018 lease agreement between the New Shillong Township Development Agency (NSTDA) and the CBI, and to demolish the alleged temple if it is found to violate the agreement.
In a letter to Deputy Inspector General and Head of Branch, CBI, Anti-Corruption Branch, Shillong, NSTDA Member Secretary, P. K. Boro said that the agency received inputs from
KSU Shillong Mihngi Circle and the Director of Land Records and Survey about the alleged construction. Boro said that the land was leased to the CBI in November 14, 2018 for an office-cum-residential complex.
“As per Clause 10 of the lease agreement, the lessee shall not construct any structure, or
alter any structure erected on the said land without prior permission of the Agency,” the NSTDA Member Secretary informed the CBI official.
Moreover, Boro said the CBI must invariably comply with the terms of the lease agreement.
On July 14, the KSU locked the under-construction temple at the CBI office in the Mawdiangdiang, arguing that the land, designated as government revenue land, should not be repurposed for unauthorised religious structures.
The KSU also gave a one-week ultimatum demanding the demolition of the temple built inside the government office.
However, the Kutumba Surakshya Parishad (KSP), a prominent Assam-based Hindu organisation, has condemned KSU’s demand to demolish the temple and urged Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to step in and ensure that people across the state are allowed equal freedom to practise religion without obstruction.
“India is a secular country and every citizen has the basic right to worship as per his or her belief. We must not support activities that create social and communal tension,” KSP president Satya Ranjan Borah had stated.
Meanwhile, the KSU said it expects a fair and speedy inquiry into the construction of the temple inside the CBI complex, adding that if violations are found, the structure should be demolished as per law.