Meghalaya

The Voice of the People's Party (VPP) on Thursday said it will not field any candidates in the upcoming GHADC elections, opting instead to focus on strengthening its organisational base in the region.VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said the party believes it is too early to contest elections in the Garo Hills and would rather concentrate on grassroots expansion. "We have forayed into the Garo Hills over the past few years and have received steady support. However, it is still early days, and we do not want to contest elections merely for the sake of it. In time, the party and its work will be recognised on a larger scale," he told The Shillong Times. He said the party is now looking ahead to the 2028 Assembly elections, by which time VPP expects to emerge as a strong force a...

The expansion of the Shillong Airport at Umroi is expected to take longer than the state government’s targeted timeline of 2027 for enabling operation of larger aircraft. Sources indicate that environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is still pending and under process. Without this key approval, the project cannot proceed fully. Meanwhile, eight bidders have responded to the tender for the expansion work. The financial bids have been opened, but the final bidder is yet to be selected as the offers are being cross-verified. The expansion proposal includes extending the runway from the current 1,829 metres to 2,400 metres, allowing Boeing and Airbus narrow-body aircraft (and potentially select wide-body types) to operate from the airport. Source...

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, today attended the Distribution of Appointment Letters programme organised by the Meghalaya Police at the 2nd MLP Battalion, Goeragre. On his arrival, the Chief Minister was accorded a Guard of Honour, followed by a felicitation ceremony. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister, congratulated the 76 newly appointed Sub-Inspectors and described the occasion as a significant milestone in their lives and careers. He noted that more than 21,000 candidates had applied for the posts, highlighting the highly competitive nature of the recruitment process. Emphasising the trust reposed in the police by the public, the Chief Minister urged the recruits to live up to the expectations of the government, their families, and the people of the State.“Out of more tha...

Meghalaya received Rs 13.45 crore in December 2025 as part of a wider funding push by the North Eastern Council to accelerate development across the Northeast, according to an official statement issued on January 9. The allocation formed part of a total of Rs 76.78 crore released by the NEC during the month to Northeastern states and regional agencies, with a focus on infrastructure creation, livelihoods, cultural assets, research and innovation. Meghalaya’s share was directed at projects that combine urban improvement with rural connectivity and community facilities. Key works funded in the state include tourism infrastructure at Laitlyngkot (Lamlyer) in East Khasi Hills and the development of the Seng Khasi Ri Raid Laban Cultural Complex at Lum Shat Sngi, Kenches Trace, Shillong. The...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on January 9 formally handed over appointment letters to 76 newly recruited Sub-Inspectors of the Meghalaya Police, marking an important step towards strengthening the state’s police force. The appointment ceremony was held at the 2nd Meghalaya Police Battalion campus in Goeragre. The newly appointed officers were selected after a highly competitive recruitment process that saw participation from more than 21,000 applicants across the state. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the selection was based purely on merit and hard work, and congratulated the recruits for successfully clearing a demanding and transparent process. Speaking to the new Sub-Inspectors, Sangma urged them to carry out their duties with honesty, dedication a...

The Motor Sports Club of Meghalaya (MSCM) will organise a three-day motor sport event titled “MSCM Offroad Trophy 2.0” at Mawkdok-Tiewlieh, Mawjrong and Madan Lyngkhi in Laitlyngkot, East Khasi Hills district, from January 15 to 17. The Northeast-level event is expected to witness the participation of around 40 to 50 competitors from different parts of Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram and other northeastern states.MSCM president Eugene Niangti, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the event has been designed to provide a platform for young motorsport enthusiasts to showcase their talent. He added that participation in the tournament would offer young drivers an opportunity to gain recognition while also helping them further develop their skills and confidence. Niangti said the ob...

On Friday, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma distributed appointment letters to 76 newly appointed sub-inspectors during a ceremony at the 2nd MLP Battalion in Goeragre, Tura. He recognized this milestone, noting the competitive nature of the recruitment, with over 21,000 applicants. The Chief Minister urged the recruits to meet public expectations, emphasizing their critical role as a connection between the police and the community. He highlighted the importance of humane conduct and accountability, advising them to approach their upcoming training seriously as it is foundational to their careers. Commending the transparent recruitment process, he underscored that their roles extend beyond mere employment, focusing on service to the people of Meghalaya and the nation. The event i...

54 karatekas from Meghalaya brought laurels to the state with an outstanding performance at the Kanninjuku National Karate Championship 2025, held at DC School, Khandala, Maharashtra, from December 30 to 31, 2025. The strong contingent of karatekas from the state participated in the prestigious event and delivered a stellar performance, emerging as the Overall Team Champions. The team secured an impressive tally of 58 Gold, 49 Silver, and 26 Bronze medals, showcasing their exceptional skills and dedication. Esaranaki Kharjana and Daniel Dabiangbha Warji were adjudged as the Best Karateka in the Girls' and Boys' categories, respectively, further highlighting the state's prowess in the sport. The All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association has congratulated all the medal winners, karatekas, a...

A drug peddler was arrested by Khliehriat police along with heroin from a village in East Jaintia Hills district on Friday. Acting on credible information, the police intercepted 23-year-old Kheinkor Muliar @ Khein, who was driving a white Alto vehicle (ML06A 0621), near Mookympad village, police said. A search conducted in the presence of independent witnesses led to the recovery of suspected heroin, syringes, and other items. Preliminary tests confirmed the substance as heroin, weighing 1.37 grams, they said. Muliar has been arrested and charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Investigations are underway.

Silchar is set to witness a major moment in the history of live music in Northeast India as preparations begin for what is being described as the biggest concert ever held in the region. Organisers have said that more than one lakh people are expected to attend the two-day music event, scheduled to take place on February 7 and 8, 2026. The concert will be held during the month of Makar and is expected to bring together music lovers from across Assam and neighbouring states. According to the organisers, the event will feature well-known Bollywood performers and is planned on a scale that has not been attempted before in the Northeast. If attendance estimates are met, it will set a new record for concert footfall in the region. The festival is being organised and produced by Aeroeast,...