Shillong: Tension gripped parts of Shillong on Tuesday after members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Laban Circle, shut down a structure at Lower Lumparing, alleging that it was functioning as an unauthorised place of worship.

The structure, identified by the union as the Lumparing Masjid, was reportedly built without obtaining the required approvals from the local dorbar shnong and other competent authorities.

KSU Laban Circle leader Shiningstar Chyne said the construction was carried out illegally on land whose ownership remains unclear. He claimed that the land had originally been designated for the residence of a chowkidar responsible for maintaining a nearby Muslim burial ground, but was later converted into a mosque.

Members of the union locked the structure and demanded immediate intervention from the authorities to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.

Officials are yet to issue a formal statement on the incident. The situation in the area remained tense, though no reports of violence had emerged at the time of filing this report.