Shillong, May 16: Allegations of political interference have surfaced amid an ongoing internal dispute at the Mawkhar Presbyterian Church in Shillong over the alleged misappropriation of more than Rs 4 crore in church funds.
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| Mawkhar Presbyterian Church in Shillong, Meghalaya, where an internal dispute over alleged fund misappropriation and claims of political interference has triggered divisions within the congregation. (File Photo) |
The controversy intensified after the Executive Committee (EC) of the church clarified on Friday that it had not issued any official press statement accusing political leaders or government agencies of interfering in the church’s affairs.
In a clarification issued in response to a media report, Church Secretary Elder Geraldton Pakma stated that the Church Committee had neither authorised nor released any official statement regarding allegations of political interference.
“We would like to clarify that the Church Committee of the Mawkhar Presbyterian Church had not issued any official press release or statement on this matter,” Pakma said.
Despite the clarification, sources within the congregation alleged that attempts were being made to politically influence the handling of the ongoing dispute and shield certain individuals accused of financial irregularities.
According to sources, one faction within the church allegedly approached an influential political leader, who is also a former member of the congregation, seeking support amid the growing controversy.
The church community currently remains divided into two factions over allegations involving the misuse of funds reportedly exceeding Rs 4 crore. While one group has been demanding accountability and repayment of the allegedly misappropriated amount, another faction is reportedly attempting to suppress or downplay the issue, sources claimed.
The dispute has also taken a legal turn. Rev. McDonald Pyngrope on Thursday filed a First Information Report (FIR) under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), alleging misappropriation, fraud, forgery and diversion of church funds for personal gain during the 2023–2024 period.
The FIR stated that an internal inquiry and legal review had identified individuals allegedly involved in the financial irregularities and noted that they had been given sufficient time over the past two years to confess, but failed to do so.
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The issue had earlier reached the Joint Registrar of Societies following objections raised by rival factions within the church. However, the authority observed that the dispute stemmed from internal misunderstandings and declared it an internal matter under the Registration Act, 1983.
The controversy has reportedly created tension within the congregation, with members divided over the handling of the alleged financial irregularities and growing concerns over outside influence in church affairs.
