Several prominent pressure groups in Meghalaya, including the Khasi Students Union (KSU), Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), and Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO), gathered today at Umroi Airport to protest the expected arrival of Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarandah, a Hindu leader advocating for the cow to be declared the “mother of India” and for a ban on beef consumption.
The groups had assembled at the airport from around 11 AM, prepared to oppose Shankaracharya’s arrival. However, after waiting until 1 PM, they received information that he would not be arriving today, though there is a possibility he may come tomorrow.
HYC President Roykupar Synrem reaffirmed the group’s opposition to the leader’s agenda, stating that the HYC would not allow any group to promote the cow as a sacred symbol and enforce a ban on beef consumption in the state. “We will follow wherever they go in Meghalaya and will not allow them to dictate our food habits,” Synrem stated firmly.
KSU General Secretary, James Mawphniang, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the union will not tolerate interference from outsiders regarding the local customs of food, attire, and cultural practices. “Whether they come by air, land, or water, we will continue to resist,” he added.
HITO’s General Secretary, Balajied Jyrwa, also confirmed that the group would return to the airport tomorrow if necessary, as reports suggest Shankaracharya may arrive then. Jyrwa stated, “We will not allow anyone to impose ideas that do not align with our traditions and will resist efforts to declare the cow as sacred and restrict beef consumption.”
Local leaders have already communicated with authorities, including a magistrate at the airport, who confirmed that Shankaracharya did not arrive today but is expected tomorrow. The pressure groups have made it clear that they will be present to protest his arrival, and they intend to demand that he return without stepping foot outside the airport.
