The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) in Shillong, Meghalaya, has sealed a mosque at 4th Furlong, claiming it was built without necessary approvals and land documents. The action, led by the KSU’s Shillong Mihngi Circle, coincided with the 191st death anniversary of Khasi freedom fighter, U Tirot Sing Syiem. The mosque is said to be on land owned by Nurul Choudhary, identified as a non-local resident by the KSU.
The student body stated that they could not find the required permissions or official documents during their inspection of the mosque. Consequently, the mosque will remain closed until the necessary documents are provided to prove how construction permission was obtained. The KSU emphasized its commitment to monitoring unauthorized constructions in Shillong and promised to object to any violations of land or building regulations.
The KSU, established in 1978, is a prominent student organization in Meghalaya, influencing discussions on tribal identity, land rights, and the Inner Line Permit (ILP). While not a political entity, the KSU has been involved in various issues such as campaigns against illegal immigrants, protests over infrastructure projects, and inspections of businesses lacking valid documents. The union’s actions, aimed at protecting the rights of Meghalaya’s indigenous people, have sparked both support and criticism from different quarters.
