Meghalaya's Khasi students' body protests alleged illegal temple at CBI office, locks structure

The Khasi Students' Union (KSU) Shillong Mihngi Circle on July 14 staged a protest at the CBI office in Shillong, locking a temple on the premises over allegations that it had been constructed without authorisation on government land.

Led by KSU Central Executive Committee Assistant Organising Secretary Jeremiah Pohthmi, the union also submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Inspector General of the CBI, urging immediate action to remove the structure. The KSU claimed the discussion with officials failed to yield any concrete assurance, prompting members to lock the temple.

According to the union, it had repeatedly raised objections over the alleged construction in the past and was earlier assured that no religious structure would be built inside the office compound. However, it alleged that construction resumed recently and that a subsequent inspection by the union found the temple nearing completion.

The KSU has set a seven-day deadline for the authorities to demolish the structure, warning of further democratic protests if no action is taken within the stipulated period.

The union maintained that central government office premises should not accommodate unauthorised religious structures and urged the CBI to take prompt action on the matter.