Shillong: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) delivered a seven-day ultimatum to the state government on Monday to demolish an unauthorized temple sitting inside the CBI campus in New Shillong. KSU general secretary Samuel Kharbani pressed Urban Affairs Director PK Poro to act after the union confirmed the land lease, signed in 2018, permitted only official and residential use.
The union insists the building violates strict land lease conditions and local urban planning laws. An August 4 letter from the New Shillong Township Development Agency confirms that any construction or structural changes on the site require prior approval. KSU members told the Director they expect the structure removed without any attempt to regularize the construction post-facto. "We stressed to the Director that he should demolish the structure and should not alter any permission retrospectively," Kharbani said.
Kharbani argues that a central investigating agency should lead by example rather than ignoring regional building codes. The KSU Mawdiangdiang unit claims they previously secured promises to halt work, but construction started up again months later. The union also disputes claims that the building serves as a meditation center.
Director Poro requested ten days to review the union’s evidence. The KSU has prepared for protests at the government department or the CBI office if the demand is not met. The union submitted a formal memorandum requiring an immediate stop to work, removal of the structure, and an action taken report within the week.
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