Meghalaya

The Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 in Meghalaya shimmered with colour, music and youthful energy as Lapynshai Marak and Rohan Pradhan were crowned Miss and Mr Cherry Blossom 2025. The event, one of the festival’s most anticipated attractions, celebrated emerging local talent while promoting culture, confidence and community spirit among the state’s youth. In a closely contested competition, Catherine Defini Diengdoh and Na-i-Staphi Nola Lyngdoh secured the 1st and 2nd Runners-up positions in the Miss category. On the men’s side, Joel Desmond Nongrum and Abiezer Dan claimed the runner-up titles, drawing praise for their poise and stage presence. Organised by the Miss Meghalaya Organisation, the pageant added glamour and excitement to the broader festival celebrations. Participants showcas...

Two students of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) in Shillong were critically injured after a security guard of the university, allegedly driving in an intoxicated state, rammed his vehicle into them on Monday evening, officials said on Tuesday. The incident occurred around 7 pm near Gate No. 2 of the campus. According to officials, the guard lost control of the car while driving under the influence of alcohol. Before hitting the students, the vehicle reportedly struck a parked scooter and then veered towards the gate. The injured students, identified as Dartingen Pohdukriek and Stephanie Shadap, both from the Chemistry Department, were walking along the roadside when the speeding vehicle hit them. CCTV footage reportedly captured the car approaching at high speed moments before the...

In a major step toward expanding international employment opportunities, the Meghalaya government inaugurated a dedicated Japanese language training centre in Shillong on Monday. The initiative is aimed at preparing the state’s youth for overseas placements in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and IT. According to officials, the state already sees tangible benefits from overseas skilling. 37 nurses currently working in Japan reportedly send an average of ₹1 lakh per month back to their families, highlighting the long-term economic potential of international employment for Meghalaya’s workforce. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described the launch as “a very important and a very big step for our state and for our youth,” adding that the programme aspires to enable 10,...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday announced that the state government will sanction Rs 50 crore this month to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the development of the Airport at Jengjal in West Garo Hills district. The CM made this announcement at a function after inaugurating a new police station building in West Garo Hills. The airport, officially known as Baljek Airport, has remained unutilised for years and is currently in a dilapidated condition. The chief minister highlighted that the airport’s revival follows an MoU signed earlier this year between the state government and AAI for operations, maintenance and technical management. He said 19-seater aircraft under Air Alliance are expected to begin services, with Shillong–Tura flights listed as the first p...

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today inaugurated the newly constructed Jengjal Police Station building at Jengjal, West Garo Hills.The programme was also attended by Idashisha Nongrang, IPS, Director General of Police, Meghalaya; Abraham T. Sangma, IPS, Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills; J.F.K. Marak, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Western Range); Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills; James K. Sangma, Chairman, MIDC; senior government officials, police personnel and members of the community. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, said that the Jengjal Police Station is one of the best police stations in the state which is located in a very strategic and ideal location making it accessible and convenient not only for the peopl...

Meghalaya seized early control of their Ranji Trophy 2025–26 plate group clash against Manipur after guest professionals Rahul Dalal and Ajay Duhan produced superb centuries to carry the side to a dominant position on the opening day. Their 247-run stand for the fourth wicket transformed the innings after a shaky start and powered Meghalaya to a strong total of 359 for 5 at stumps. Dalal was the aggressor throughout, smashing a blistering 151 off just 146 balls, an innings studded with 23 boundaries and three sixes. His positive intent kept the scoreboard moving at a brisk pace and placed immediate pressure on the Manipur attack. At the other end, Duhan anchored the innings with a composed 102 off 184 deliveries, providing the stability the team needed after the early wobble. Their con...

Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, today, inaugurated the Japanese Training Programme organised by Meghalaya State Skill Development Society, Department of Labour, Employment & Skill Development, Government of Meghalaya at Mount View Building, Barik, Shillong. Also present during the inauguration was Minister, Labour etc Methodius Dkhar and Nishikwa Toshiaki San, Chairman and CEO of Asean Group Co Ltd besides the Japanese tutors and officials from MSSDS. Speaking during the inauguration, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, said that Meghalaya is working very closely with Japan in multiple fields and sectors. “Our thought process is very clear and focussed we don’t want to have multiple tie-ups with multiple nations because if you try to tie up with everybody you will not have a relation...

The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 concluded this weekend with a spectacular showcase of international and local talent, cementing Meghalaya's reputation in India's concert economy. However, the grand finale was marred by a chorus of public outcry, as residents flagged severe disruptions, including loud music blaring past midnight and crippling traffic that they argue highlights the unsustainability of hosting such a large-scale event in the city's congested heart. Organisers hailed the two-day festival at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as an unprecedented success, drawing thousands of visitors and driving tourism and employment. The lineup featured global superstars like Jason Derulo, The Script, Diplo, Tyga, and Aqua, who delivered electrifying performances. A press release laud...

A commanding 247-run partnership between guest professionals Rahul Dalal and Ajay Duhan placed Meghalaya firmly on top after the opening day of their Ranji Trophy 2025–26 plate group fixture against Manipur. Dalal dominated the scoring with a rapid 151 off 146 balls, striking 23 fours and three sixes, while Duhan provided stability with a measured 102 from 184 deliveries. Their contrasting centuries rebuilt the innings after Meghalaya slipped to 74 for 3 and ultimately powered the side to 359 for 5 at stumps. Earlier, openers Arien Bonchang Sangma (31) and Arpit Bhatewara (33) added 61 before both fell in quick succession, followed by the dismissal of Kishan Lyngdoh for 6. Manipur briefly appeared to have seized momentum, only for Dalal and Duhan to take the match away across a prolong...

After leaders of 'One North East', Conrad K. Sangma, Pradyot Bikram Deb Barma came together in one platform, regional parties from northeast are also showing interest to joined them. Recently, Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People's Party (NPP) President Conrad K Sangma, TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Bikram Manikya, former BJP National Spokesperson and Nagaland Minister Mmhonlumo Kikon, and People's Party Assam founder Daniel Langthasa, along with other eminent North Eastern leaders, signed a joint statement committing to the creation of a unified front. Now other regional political forces of Northeast are showing interest to join them to form a strong regional force which will raise their voices for the development of northeast region. Ajoy Edwards, founder president of Indian Gorkh...