The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Laban Circle on Tuesday sealed a structure at Lower Lumparing, alleging that it was being used as an unauthorised masjid (mosque) without approval from the local Dorbar Shnong. Acting on complaints from residents, members of the union visited the site and claimed that the premises had been converted into a place of worship named “Lumparing Masjid” without obtaining the required permissions from the Dorbar Shnong or other competent authorities.
According to the KSU, the land was originally designated as a caretaker’s quarters for an individual responsible for maintaining a nearby Muslim graveyard. However, over time, the structure was allegedly repurposed into a religious site. Following the complaint, the Dorbar Shnong Lower Lumparing reportedly conducted an inspection and directed that the signboard bearing the name “Lumparing Masjid” be removed.
However, the KSU claimed that the directive had not been complied with. KSU Laban Circle general secretary Shiningstar Chyne said the organisation carried out its own inspection and confirmed that the site was being used for religious activities. He also alleged sanitation issues, stating that waste from the premises was being discharged into surrounding areas.