Shillong, October 17, 2025: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Laban Circle, has strongly opposed an order issued by the District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills permitting shops at Mahadev Khola Dham to reopen with immediate effect.

In a letter addressed to Deputy Commissioner R. M. Kurbah, IAS, the Union stated that the order, dated October 15, 2025 (Memo No. EKH/ZTF/LO/Lumdiengjri/Stretch VI/2025/12-A), contradicts the decision made during a meeting chaired by the Deputy Commissioner on August 20, 2025, where all parties had agreed to maintain status quo until a permanent resolution was reached regarding disputes in the area.

The KSU pointed out that the Mahadev Khola area has long faced issues such as illegal settlement, encroachment, unapproved construction, and waste disposal into local streams, allegedly violating National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines.

The Union also argued that the order violates the United Khasi-Jaintia Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation Act, 1952, contending that the District Magistrate does not have the jurisdiction to authorize commercial activities by non-tribals within the domain of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).

Citing a 1923–24 land deed, the Union further noted that the site in question was designated solely for religious purposes and not for commercial or residential use.

KSU leaders Reuben Najiar (President) and Jason Laloo (General Secretary) have urged the Deputy Commissioner to revoke the order immediately, warning that failure to do so would compel the Union to withdraw its cooperation from the understanding reached in the August meeting.

Copies of the letter have also been forwarded to Revenue Minister Lakmen Rymbui, KHADC CEM Winston T. Lyngdoh, and the press for necessary attention.