Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Friday said that the altercation that happened in Mahadev Khola temple premises on Monday was “purely a standalone incident” and there was no religious or communal colour to it.
“The incident was not communally or religiously motivated. It so happens that both the groups come from two different communities and therefore making it easy to connect the dots and give it a religious or communal colour,” he told reporters.
“The backgrounds of the individuals involved in the incident have been studied and they do not belong to any organization or establishment,” Sangma informed.
Five persons, including two juveniles, have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The Chief Minister also urged people to not jump to conclusions and give a communal or religious angle to the incident as this leads to unnecessary tension.
“If certain news channels resort to spreading misinformation without verifying facts, action would be taken against them.
The Central Puja Committee (CPC), Meghalaya, the apex body of Hindu religious organisations in Meghalaya,
has condemned the manhandling and unprovoked attack on devotees by miscreants at Mahadev Khola temple premises.
“Such incidents are not common in Meghalaya, known for religious harmony and amity,” the CPC said and urged upon the State government to provide security in the temple complex since devotees visit this temple throughout the year to perform various rituals.
