Students’ Union closes mosque in Shillong, alleges illegal construction
text_fields
Shillong: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Tuesday, April 14, shut down a mosque in Shillong, alleging that the structure had been constructed without the required legal permissions.
Tensions prevailed in the Lower Lumparing area after members of the students’ union claimed that the mosque had been built without approval from local authorities.
“Muslims had constructed the Masjid illegally on this land without obtaining permission from the locality or from the concerned authorities,” said KSU’s Laban Circle leader Shiningstar Chyne.
According to the union, the structure was originally designated as a chowkidar’s residence meant to oversee a nearby Muslim graveyard but was later converted into a mosque.
“Construction was carried out without permission, and the purpose of the structure was changed,” Chyne added.
Videos circulating on social media show KSU members confronting the resident imam at the Lumparing Masjid and asking him to vacate the premises. They alleged that he was residing there unlawfully and conducting religious activities without authorisation.
The Dorbar Shnong had earlier inspected the site following complaints from local residents and had reportedly decided to remove the structure, the union said. However, no action was taken at that time.
The KSU stated that it would escalate the issue and seek intervention from higher authorities to ensure the complete removal of the mosque. There was no immediate response from the district administration regarding the incident.