Sunday, October 4

Meghalaya

Conflicting views stall railway expansion as Meghalaya faces policy dilemma: VPP
Meghalaya

Conflicting views stall railway expansion as Meghalaya faces policy dilemma: VPP

The Voice of the People Party (VPP) highlighted a significant divide regarding railway connectivity between the Garo Hills and Khasi-Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya. VPP spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh emphasized the lack of a clear policy framework on railway expansion, creating confusion and differing regional stances. While he acknowledged the importance of infrastructure for economic growth, he questioned the rationale for opposing railways in some areas while existing rail connectivity is present elsewhere. Myrboh noted that opposition to railways in the Khasi-Jaintia region does not effectively mitigate concerns about migration or security, suggesting that individuals could access these areas via established railways in the Garo Hills. The urgency of the issue is underscored by increasing l...
Meghalaya: Laitlyngkot-Lyngkyrem road closed from today
Meghalaya

Meghalaya: Laitlyngkot-Lyngkyrem road closed from today

The Additional Deputy Commissioner of Pynursla Civil Sub-Division on Tuesday announced that the road closure for the stretch from Laitlyngkot to Lyngkyrdem (Chainage Kms 24+00-37+00) will be re- implemented with effect from January 8. The revised closure timings will be from 11.30 am to 4pm during daytime and from 9pm to 4am during night-time. "The above closure arrangement will be temporary and on a daily basis for a period effective from the 08th of January, 2026 and shall remain in force until further notice. All traffic will be permitted to cross from both ends (i.e. Lyngkyrdem & Laitlyngkot) latest by 11.30 am after which from 12 noon onwards, construction works will be started by the concerned company along the said stretch," the ADC said. All commuters and members of the ...
East Jaintia Hills Blast: Worker’s Death Prompts Suo Motu Action
Meghalaya

East Jaintia Hills Blast: Worker’s Death Prompts Suo Motu Action

Police in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district have initiated a Suo motu case following the death of Ashok Tamang, a worker who sustained severe burn injuries from an alleged dynamite explosion last month. The case is registered under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, concerning culpable homicide in accidental death cases. Tamang passed away on January 1, 2026, while undergoing treatment at Shillong Civil Hospital. His dying declaration indicated that the explosion occurred while he was handling dynamite at work but did not specify the location or link to coal mining activities. The investigation, led by Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar, aims to identify Tamang's workplace and clarify the conditions under which he handled explosives. Initial inquiries have raised ...
Recovery of ammunition in South West Garo Hills district rattles intel in Meghalaya
Meghalaya

Recovery of ammunition in South West Garo Hills district rattles intel in Meghalaya

On 6th January, 2026, acting on reliable source information, a Police team from Salmanpara and Ampati Police Stations, South West Garo Hills District, conducted a successful search operation in a bamboo grove near Santogre village, under Salmanpara Police Station. During the search operation, the Police team unearthed ammunition buried in the bamboo grove near Santogre village. In the operation, the team recovered 55 (fifty-five) Nos. of suspected live anti-aircraft ammunition. The recovered items were seized at the spot in the presence of independent witnesses. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the source and other related details. According to a statement issued by Superintendent of Police Vikash Varma, the police team unearthed 55 suspected live anti-aircraft ammunition...
Tourist arrivals in Meghalaya pegged at 1.5 million in 2025
Meghalaya

Tourist arrivals in Meghalaya pegged at 1.5 million in 2025

While the state government is yet to release official figures for 2025, hoteliers in Meghalaya estimate that approximately 1.5 million tourists visited the state this year. Parambir Singh Sehdave, president of the Federation of Shillong Hotels, said on Monday that while the tourism sector is evolving-boosted by events like the Cherry Blossom Festivalâ, the footfall could have been higher if not for several disruptions. Sehdave noted that travel was hampered by misinformation surrounding the Raghuvanshi murder case, the impact of the Ahmedabad plane crash on national travel trends, and fears regarding landslides following disasters in other hilly regions of the country. Addressing local challenges, hoteliers identified traffic congestion as a primary complaint among visitors. They ex...
Meghalaya govt issues new recruitment roster
Meghalaya

Meghalaya govt issues new recruitment roster

Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) has invited online applications for 14 vacancies to the post of Sericulture Inspector/Reeling Foreman/Manager under the Directorate of Sericulture and Weaving, Department of Textiles, Meghalaya. As per Advertisement No. 21/2025 issued on December 19, 2025, applications will be accepted till 5 pm on January 23, 2026. Candidates are required to apply online and ensure their profiles are updated before submission. Examinations will be conducted at centres in Shillong, Tura, Jowai, Williamnagar and Nongstoin. Further details on eligibility, pay scale and selection process are available on the MPSC website. In a separate public notice, the commission updated the roster position for three Labour Inspector posts under the administrative control of...
Meghalaya BJP slams Congress for irregularities in MNREGA
Meghalaya

Meghalaya BJP slams Congress for irregularities in MNREGA

Defending the Centre’s proposed reforms in rural employment schemes, a senior BJP leader on Monday alleged that the implementation of MNREGA under previous Congress-led governments was marked by “complete chaos and disaster,” leading to large-scale irregularities and scams. “Understand that when MNREGA was implemented under them, it was a complete chaos and disaster. In fact, it led to many scams being unearthed,” the leader said, claiming that during 2010–11, “thousands of crores of scams were there in Bihar, in Uttar Pradesh.” Emphasising the safeguards in the new scheme, the leader asserted that it would ensure transparency through technology-driven monitoring. “The new scheme in fact will bring a check and balance to all of that. A monitoring system will be effective, it will be co...
KSU questions MHA objection to MRSSA Bill, slams Deputy CM Tynsong
Meghalaya

KSU questions MHA objection to MRSSA Bill, slams Deputy CM Tynsong

The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has strongly questioned the remarks made by Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong regarding the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (MRSSA). The student body said the Deputy Chief Minister’s claims about the Bill conflicting with central laws are misleading and unfair. Tynsong had earlier stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) objected to the MRSSA Amendment Bill on the grounds that it clashed with national laws. The main objection, he said, was related to the proposal to set up entry-exit points to monitor people entering the state. KSU general secretary Donald V. Thabah rejected this view. He said the Bill only aims to regulate movement into the state, similar to the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system alread...
Eastern Air Command Commanders’ Conclave 2026 held in Shillong
Meghalaya

Eastern Air Command Commanders’ Conclave 2026 held in Shillong

The Eastern Air Command (EAC) Commanders’ Conclave 2026 was held at Headquarters Eastern Air Command, Shillong, from January 2–3, 2026, bringing together senior commanders to review operational preparedness and chart the future course of the Command.The conclave was addressed by Air Marshal Surat Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Eastern Air Command. In his address, the Air Marshal emphasised the need to enhance operational capabilities, strengthen combat readiness, and remain prepared to address evolving security challenges in the eastern sector. Air Marshal Surat Singh highlighted the importance of greater synergy and integration with the Indian Army and Indian Navy, underlining jointness as a critical enabler in modern warfare. He stressed that seamless coordination...
Newly promoted officers honoured at pipping ceremony in Shillong
Meghalaya

Newly promoted officers honoured at pipping ceremony in Shillong

A formal pipping ceremony celebrating the promotion of police officers was held today at the Conference Hall of the Police Headquarters here, marking a proud moment for the Meghalaya Police. The ceremony was graced by Smti. I. Nongrang, IPS, Director General of Police (DGP), Meghalaya, who personally pinned the new epaulettes on the newly promoted officers, symbolising their elevation in rank and responsibility. Congratulating the officers, the DGP lauded their dedication, discipline and commitment to duty. She encouraged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity while discharging their responsibilities in their new roles. Wishing them continued success, Smti. Nongrang expressed confidence that the promoted officers would rise to future challenges and contri...