Provide lands for cremation for Seng Khasi faithful: High Court

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 10, 2021

The Meghalaya High Court on Wednesday directed the Meghalaya Govt to provide lands for the cremation of faithful of Seng Khasi and Niamtre all over Meghalaya.

The court issued the order while disposing the writ petition filed by Phidingstar Khongsit, a member of Seng Khasi in the year 2019 on lack of cremation ground for the people belonging to Seng Khasi/Niam Tynrai/Niam Tre faith residing all over the State of Meghalaya.

According to the court order, “A bare perusal of the writ petition reveals that the writ petitioner has made out a case, at least for consideration by the concerned authorities of the State. As such, we are of the view that the writ petition can be disposed of with a direction upon respondent No.2, being the Community and Rural Development, represented by the Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, to call an open meeting on 26th February, 2021, with the writ petitioner and other members of the indigenous faith including any organisation (s) espousing the cause of the indigenous faith involving Seng Khasi/Niam Tynrai/Niam Tre.”

The court directed the department that a public notice for said meeting shall be widely published by the respondent No.2 (Community and Rural Development Department). In the said meeting, the respondent shall look into the grievances of the writ petitioner, as pleaded in the writ petition, as well as others who may be present in the meeting and after giving adequate opportunity of hearing to all concerned, render a decision in the matter supported with cogent reasons.

“The entire exercise in terms of this order shall be completed by the respondent as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of eight weeks, but not later than ten weeks from date of communication of a photostat certified copy of this order,” the order said.