Shillong, Aprl 14: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Laban Circle on Tuesday closed down a place of worship at Lower Lumparing, alleging it was an illegal mosque built without permission on land with no clear ownership.

After conducting an inquiry, the KSU said it found that the structure, named Lumparing Masjid, was constructed without approval from the dorbar shnong or concerned authorities.

“Muslims had constructed the Masjid illegally on this land without obtaining permission from the locality or from the concerned authorities,” KSU Laban Circle Shiningstar Chyne said.

The Union stated that the site was earlier allotted for a chowkidar’s house to look after the Muslim burial ground, but has since been converted into a mosque.

During the action, the Union also asked the imam residing there to leave, alleging he was staying illegally and preaching Islam at the site.

According to the KSU, the dorbar shnong of Lower Lumparing had earlier inspected the site following a complaint and resolved to dismantle the structure, but no action was taken by those managing the mosque.

“The Union will soon lodge a complaint with the authorities to completely remove the structure,” Chyne added.