Meghalaya

The Congress has rejected the extension of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) by six more months, and pointed out that elections can be held in 27 out of 29 constituencies. Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) working president Deborah Marak told reporters that the party never endorsed the move and that a shorter, targeted approach was possible. "Six months is very long," Marak said. She said that elections could have been held in 27 of 29 seats except Shyamnagar and Balachanda, the two constituencies at the centre of a dispute over non-tribal participation. "They could have suspended these two constituencies, allowed polls elsewhere, and let a new executive committee find a good mechanism to solve the ongoing problem," she said. Marak also said the Congress s...

Two prominent aspirants for the BJP ticket in the Dispur constituency, incumbent MLA Atul Bora and Jayanta Das, have publicly expressed their discontent with the party leadership, specifically targeting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, for selecting Pradyut Bordoloi as the candidate for the upcoming elections. Bora, a six-time MLA since 1985, voiced his disillusionment, asserting that the party's approach represents a betrayal of his long service and contributions. He emphasized his historical electoral success, having defeated three Chief Ministers, and criticized the party for importing candidates instead of valuing committed long-term members, stating, "Today, there is no environment to work in the BJP." Bora condemned Bordoloi's political shift from being an MLA in Margherit...

Storms, hail and lightning since 13 March have affected more than 48,000 people and damaged 13,876 houses across 30 blocks in Meghalaya, the State Disaster Management Authority said in a cumulative report released Wednesday. According to preliminary reports compiled up to 17 March, 745 villages in all districts were impacted. One person was killed and another injured, while 66 infrastructure units and 0.4 hectares of crops were damaged. No animal deaths or missing‑person cases were reported. The figures are based on cumulative data received from districts up to 9 pm on March 17 and remain subject to revision as more reports come in. Officials said assessments are ongoing and further updates will be issued as the situation develops.

In a landmark move to promote cinema, culture, and youth engagement, the Government of Meghalaya on Wednesday officially announced the launch of the first-ever Shillong Film Festival 2026, scheduled to be held from March 25 to 27 at the State Convention Centre in Shillong. The announcement was made following a high-level press briefing at the Meghalaya Secretariat, where the Minister in-charge of Information and Public Relations, Lahkmen Rymbui, highlighted the significance of the initiative. Calling the festival a “path-breaking step,” Rymbui said, “This is the first stage of a larger vision. Once we succeed, it will empower us to do more in the years to come.”* He added that the festival is being organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) with support fro...

In a significant milestone for botanical research in India, the rare epiphytic shrub Agapetes wardii has been discovered for the first time in Arunachal Pradesh's Changlang district. Previously, this species was only known to exist in Myanmar, thus its identification marks a vital addition to India's biodiversity. The Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Chowna Mein, lauded this finding as a remarkable scientific breakthrough that highlights the ecological richness of the state and elevates Arunachal Pradesh's status as a key biodiversity hotspot in the Eastern Himalayan region. Agapetes wardii is identified as an epiphytic shrub that flourishes on other plants within moist evergreen forests near water sources. It is characterized by its unique tubular flowers, which can var...

Two Khasi-Pnar girls from Meghalaya were rescued from a suspected human trafficking racket operating in Delhi–Haryana through a joint operation by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Delhi Unit and the Special Police Unit for Northeast Region (SPUNER). The victims, aged 15 and 18, are residents of East Jaintia Hills district. According to sources, they were allegedly lured to Delhi by an acquaintance from Meghalaya with promises of jobs as domestic helpers, without informing their parents. However, upon reaching Delhi, the girls were reportedly taken to a spa in Haryana, where they were subjected to exploitation. The situation came to light after the victims managed to contact their families, who then alerted the KSU Delhi Unit. Acting swiftly, the KSU coordinated with SPUNER, leading ...

With improvements in law and order, the Meghalaya government has lifted the suspension of mobile data and internet services in the five districts of the Garo Hills region, following restrictions imposed on March 11 due to violence. The unrest had led to two deaths and significant disturbances, primarily in West Garo Hills. An official order from the Home (Political) Department confirmed the immediate revocation of the suspension. Nevertheless, the West Garo Hills district administration extended the curfew for an additional day, from March 19 to March 20, to prevent further violence, while prohibitory orders against public gatherings remain in effect. Concurrently, the Nangrimgimin A’chik Dol (NAD), representing Garo organisations, demanded the release of their leaders arrested amid the t...

Congress MP Saleng A. Sangma raised urgent concerns regarding the deteriorating communal situation in the riot-affected Garo Hills of Meghalaya, alleging attacks by illegal Rohingya intruders on tribal communities. He claims these intruders have vandalized religious statues and threatened locals to vacate their homes to occupy the region, prompting him to write to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for immediate intervention to protect tribal populations. Sangma highlighted a sensitive border situation, urging the Cabinet Committee on Security, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to address the escalating tensions, citing threatening posters found in West Garo Hills that intimidate residents. He referenced violent incidents, including the deaths of two Garo tribals and arson attacks, pointing...

The Ri-Bhoi Tourism and Environmental Development Forum is set to host the Ñiangtaser Festival, a cultural event focused on the unique insect found in the Ri-Bhoi region, which is colloquially referred to as the “World Cup insect” due to its emergence every four years coinciding with the FIFA World Cup. The festival is scheduled for April 8 and 9, 2026, at Ïewsier, close to the Nongkhyllem forest area, and is being organized in partnership with the Dorbar Shnong of Saiden. Chairman Plielad Tiewsoh announced the festival will feature a range of entertaining cultural activities, including traditional dance and folk song competitions attracting participants from various regions, along with a fashion show. Furthermore, a two-day football tournament will take place at the Saiden Playground,...

East Khasi Hills Police has arrested four individuals linked to a series of two-wheeler thefts, uncovering an organised network involved in dismantling and trafficking stolen vehicles.The arrests followed the earlier apprehension of 23-year-old Shabamutlang Syiemlieh, who was wanted for a bike theft reported from Golf Links on March 2. The four suspects-identified as Vencentstar Tongwah (23), Kitborlang Mawlong (21), Royalroy Lyngdoh (23), and Ayan Kharthangmaw (21)—are linked to multiple cases registered at Laitumkhrah and Sadar police stations. They were initially apprehended by Jowai police before being handed over to East Khasi Hills investigators. East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem stated that during interrogation, the accused admitted to stealing several vehicl...