Fresh trouble erupts at Nartiang Durga Temple; civilians clash with police over question of priesthood
First Published: 16th October, 2018 17:03 IST
Just days after the recent dispute over the issue of priests which resulted in the closure of the temple, the famed Nartiang Durga Temple was re-opened only after the intervention
Just days after the recent dispute over the issue of priests which resulted in the closure of the temple, the famed Nartiang Durga Temple was re-opened only after the intervention of the court.
Fresh trouble took place at the 500 year old temple on Monday night after police personnel were seen explaining a situation to a group which led to a small argument among the two parties.
Things very soon escalated from bad to worse after the mob started hurling stones at the police personnel when they were ordered to lathi charge by the magistrate when the situation got heated up. Many had to flee from the spot after getting injured in the clash.
Additional SP P Syiem was rushed to the Jowai Civil Hospital after being hit by a stone and had to get three stitches on his head. And not only police personnel, but many civilians and journalists present there were also injured in the skirmish.
The 500 year old temple in West Jaintia Hills has been in the middle of conflict since the last few months as to who should take the rightful call on Bishuri puja, which has led to a clash of interest among the believers, following which the district administration was forced to shut down the temple.
The Durga Puja at Nartiang Durga Temple also called Jayantee Ma Mandir was supposed to start the Durga Puja at 2 am on Tuesday morning. As they were waiting for the puja to be performed, the devotees gathered at the premises of the Temple and tried to prevent the other newly appointed priest from entering the Temple to perform the Puja along with the other one.
Earlier on Monday afternoon, the District Administration held a meeting with both the parties at the DC’s chamber.
The Deputy Commissioner Garod LSN Dykes along with the Superintendent of Police, Lakador Syiem warned all residents not to to create any trouble and disturbs the Durga Puja festivities.
The situation continues to be tense as the authorities look to sorting out the issue.
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live 35 dead in bus-truck collision on highway in Southeastern Brazil
22nd December 2024
Live Assam Cyber Police Recovers Rs 23,000 for Dharapur Online Scam Victim
22nd December 2024
Live Assam Intensifies Crackdown on Child Marriage: 416 Arrested in Third Phase
22nd December 2024
Live “India will become growth engine of the world”: PM Modi in Kuwait
22nd December 2024
WE RECOMMEND
Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh Emphasizes Preserving Shillong’s Colonial Heritage
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh has underscored the importance of these preservation efforts, particularly the mapping of heritage sites.
21st December 2024
Safeguarding Northeast’s Identity and Culture Top Priority: Home Minister Amit Shah at NEC Plenary
Amit Shah further stressed the need for a shift in focus from countering extremism to empowering citizens with constitutional rights.
21st December 2024
Captain Williamson Sangma University to Launch Tribal Studies Department to Protect Meghalaya’s Endangered Languages
To ensure a smooth rollout, the Vice-Chancellor has been directed to prioritise the formation of key departments and academic programs.
21st December 2024
Meghalaya Minister Paul Lyngdoh Concerned Over Lack of Progress in Border Talks with Assam, Says Assam’s Response ‘Not Encouraging’
Earlier, the two governments had signed an agreement to resolve their 50-year-old border disputes in six of the 12 areas.
21st December 2024
Meghalaya Govt Has Made Significant Progress on Relocating Harijan Colony in Shillong: Dy CM Dhar
Dhar stated, "As it is a big issue, we are working on it and we will surely resolve it soon. We are very close to the final call."
20th December 2024