Meghalaya

After nearly two decades of pauses, fencing along the 443-km Indo–Bangladesh border in Meghalaya is accelerating, with expectations of completion by the end of 2026, a significant step for border security. The BSF has celebrated the operational completion of 20 km of fencing last year, although progress has been hindered by legal issues, objections from the Border Guard Bangladesh, and local community resistance. Currently, land acquisition for an additional 21 km has been finalized, with construction expected to commence soon. Inspector General Upadhyay expressed confidence that all fencing gaps will be addressed by 2026. He noted that zero-line fencing is not feasible due to international treaties and challenging terrain. To further bolster security, the BSF is also implementing advance...

The Border Security Force in Meghalaya has expressed concern over a steady rise in fundamentalist activities inside Bangladesh, particularly in regions situated close to the state’s international boundary. According to the BSF, such incidents have grown noticeably over the past eighteen months, with several pockets along the Meghalaya–Assam border now being viewed as sensitive. Despite this, BSF Meghalaya Frontier Inspector General O.P. Upadhyay has assured that the situation remains firmly under control. “Our troops are maintaining close watch on every development. We are fully alert and prepared to counter any fallout of this emerging trend,” he stated. He emphasized that coordinated action with intelligence agencies and other security forces will ensure that the issue is addressed with...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday said that the programmes, policies and agenda of the state government are focussed to help and uplift the farmers of the state. Addressing the concluding day’s programme of the 4th Organic Youth Summit in Shillong, Sangma said, “Farmers are an important part of our policies and our different mission mode programmes in agriculture and allied sectors are to push the farmers and give them the necessary support and help.” The 1st Northeast India Organic Week cum Buyer Seller Meet was also simultaneously held during the summit. “The summit, with the perspective of learning, sharing and helping the farmers, will continue beyond its three days’ schedule,” the Chief Minister said. On the Organic Mission of the state, he said that organic is no...

In a significant breakthrough for India’s semiconductor ambitions—and a proud achievement for the Northeast—NIT Meghalaya has successfully fabricated two indigenous chips under the Government of India’s Chips to Startup (C2S) and SMDP programmes. The accomplishment positions the institute as one of the leading academic contributors to the country’s rapidly expanding semiconductor ecosystem. Earlier this year, NIT Meghalaya made history by designing and fabricating the state’s first-ever indigenous digital integrated circuit. The achievement gained national recognition when the fabricated chip was presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the SEMICON India 2025 Summit. The moment showcased the vital role of academic research and innovation in advancing India’s quest for self-reliance...

The state government has notified a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) restricting the use of tinted glass, sirens, beacons, and name plates on official vehicles. The SOP states that vehicles of 'Z-Plus' and 'Z' category protectees recommended by a government committee can use tinted glass or black films for security reasons. Sirens can be used only by the police, emergency services, and VVIP/VIP vehicles. The use of beacons or red lights with or without flashers is prohibited, as per a Transport Department notification. The SOP also outlines the rules for name plates on vehicles and flag rods for the National Flag. As per paragraph 3.44 of the Flag Code of India 2002 (as amended) the following dignitaries are allowed to hoist the National Flag on the official vehicles: President, V...

The Meghalaya government has mandated that tinted glass or black films are restricted to official vehicles designated for ‘Z-Plus’ and ‘Z’ category protectees, contingent upon a recommendation from a specific committee. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been issued to align the state's regulations with Supreme Court directives and national motor vehicle laws, specifically referencing Supreme Court cases and the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. The SOP dictates that sirens are limited to police and emergency services, prohibits the use of beacons, and establishes guidelines for name plates on vehicles, along with specifications on usage. It also details which officials are entitled to display the National Flag on their vehicles. The SOP is applicable to all government vehicles, e...

In a remarkable advancement for India’s semiconductor mission and a proud moment for the Northeast, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Meghalaya has achieved two successful indigenous chip fabrications under the Government of India’s Chips to Startup (C2S) / SMDP programmes. These milestones place the institute among the leading academic contributors to India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem. Earlier this year, NIT Meghalaya designed and fabricated the state’s first-ever indigenous digital integrated circuit, marking a historic step for semiconductor research in the region. This achievement reached national attention when the fabricated chip was presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the SEMICON India 2025 Summit. The moment highlighted the crucial role of academic R...

In a bid to place Meghalaya and the region firmly on the global organic map, the state government on Friday inaugurated the first Northeast India Organic Week, a multi-nation platform that brought together delegations and buyers from 13 countries to boost trade and innovation in the sector. The event was organised in partnership with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the Union Commerce Ministry and IFOAM-Organics Asia. Officials said representatives from Malaysia, Taiwan, Mongolia, Indonesia, New Zealand and several other countries are participating at the event, signalling the region's growing potential as a gateway for global organic trade.

Meghalaya today welcomed a global assembly of agricultural pioneers, policy experts, and young changemakers for Day 01 of the 4th International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) World Organic Youth Summit. Organised by IFOAM-Organics Asia, the Summit is a centrepiece of the ongoing 1st Northeast India Organic Week, a landmark convergence hosted by the Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. The day’s deliberations convened with a high-profile inauguration, featuring strategic developmental strides made by Meghalaya in the sector. Ms Jennifer Chang, Executive Director, IFOAM Asia, in her address, praised Meghalaya for its exce...

International pop-rock sensation Richard Marx is set to light up the Me’gong Festival 2025 in Tura, western Meghalaya, adding a major global draw to one of the state’s most anticipated cultural celebrations. Organisers formally announced his participation on Friday, November 28, confirming that the two-day festival scheduled for December 5 and 6 will feature a powerful mix of international, national and local talent. Joining Marx on the mainstage will be the acclaimed Dutch electronic duo Yellow Claw, known for their high-energy performances at music festivals worldwide. From India’s mainstream music circuit, popular Bollywood voices Kanika Kapoor and Neeti Mohan are also set to perform, adding star value and diversity to the festival’s musical lineup. The Me’gong Festival has consi...