Meghalaya

A high-profile murder case, a reshaped political landscape and stepped-up action against illegal coal extraction defined Meghalaya’s news cycle this year, alongside sustained pushes on connectivity, education and tourism.The most widely followed case was the killing of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, allegedly orchestrated by his wife with accomplices. The investigation drew national attention, with the Meghalaya Police arresting multiple accused and filing a detailed charge sheet. Officials described it as among the most resource-intensive probes in recent years, citing extensive financial tracking and interstate coordination with agencies in Madhya Pradesh. The case also fed broader debate on policing capacity in high-visibility investigations. Politics saw a clear realign...

In response to a recent armed robbery targeting residents of Umniuh Tmar, Deputy Chief Minister incharge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong has announced that the state government has ordered the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Meghalaya Police to intensify patrolling and strengthen security along the 444-kilometre international border with Bangladesh. The directive follows an incident on 17 December, when five villagers-including four women-were robbed at gunpoint by Bangladeshi criminals who forcibly seized gold earrings, mobile phones, and tablets. "We express concern that such incidents have taken place. We have directed the BSF and police to intensify patrolling and beef up security along the 444 km international border with Bangladesh," Tynsong told reporters. He added that a ...

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kisan Morcha, Meghalaya, on Tuesday held its State Executive meeting, with discussions centred on strengthening outreach among farmers and working towards doubling farmers’ income in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. Addressing the meeting, the State President of BJP Kisan Morcha, Meghalaya, said the organisation was actively engaging with farmers across the state to understand their issues and support them. “Today we have a State Executive meeting. In this meeting, we had a lot of discussions on how to uplift the farmers as per our Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dreams, especially to double farmers’ income,” he said. He underlined the importance of the farming community in Meghalaya, stating, “Farmers are the backbone of our state. About...

Meghalaya booked their place in the final round of the Senior Men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2025–26 with a tense 2–1 win over Arunachal Pradesh in their final Group E match on December 23.The victory was non-negotiable. Meghalaya had to win and score at least twice to advance, and they delivered under pressure in front of a packed SSA Stadium, though not without anxious moments. The victory was non-negotiable. Meghalaya had to win and score at least twice to advance, and they delivered under pressure in front of a packed SSA Stadium, though not without anxious moments. Second-half substitute Shano Tariang broke the deadlock in the 67th minute, heading home just four minutes after coming on. Apborlang Kurbah doubled the advantage in the 74th minute with a d...

On Tuesday, Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar visited the Cathedral Church in Laitumkhrah, Shillong, to extend Christmas greetings to the state's residents. The church choir performed Christmas hymns during his visit, and Barnabas Nangbah of the Catholic Association of Shillong expressed gratitude to the Governor for his presence and well-wishes for the Christian community. The Governor commended the church and praised the choir members for their performance. The Cathedral, which frequently welcomes dignitaries, made special arrangements for this occasion. Additionally, on Sunday, the Assam Regimental Centre carol team, along with their Commandant and Officers, presented carols at Lok Bhavan in Shillong, emphasizing themes of peace and harmony during Christmas. Simultaneously, Chief M...

The Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) marked a major milestone on Sunday evening as it completed 50 years of service to the game. The golden jubilee celebrations began with an awards night in Shillong, where footballers who represented India at different levels were honoured for their contributions. Founded in 1976, the association used the occasion to recognise past and present players, coaches, referees and officials whose work helped Meghalaya gain respect on the national and international football stage. The event held on December 22 was the first of several programmes planned over the coming year to mark the association’s 50-year journey. Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla attended the function as chief guest. He was joined by legislators, senior government offici...

A total of 20 candidates were selected following three rigorous rounds of interviews at the first campus recruitment drive conducted by the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC), Mumbai, in collaboration with the Emporium Skills Training Institute (ESTI-Shillong) and the Don Bosco Youth Centre (DBYC), Laitumkhrah. The event saw 111 candidates from across Meghalaya participate, with offer letters issued on the spot-a rare and encouraging outcome for first-time campus recruitment participants. It is pertinent to note that the JWCC is noted as one of Asia's largest and most prestigious integrated convention, hospitality and retail destinations.The selected candidates have been offered competitive salary packages along with comprehensive benefits, including accommodation, daily transportation...

Residents of the Motphran area have expressed deep disappointment and concern over the lack of government initiative to beautify their locality, despite repeated appeals made in the past. Sharing her views, Suzuki Pariat, a resident of the Mophron area, said the exclusion of Motphran from city beautification efforts has left many locals feeling neglected and disheartened. Pariat recalled that areas such as Police Bazaar and Laitumukhra were beautifully decorated, which made residents of Motphran question why their locality was “left out like that.” She said the sense of neglect has affected not just her but many people in her community, leaving them “very depressed.” According to Pariat, residents had last year submitted a letter highlighting their concerns, which was signed by respect...

The banned militant organisation Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has escalated its confrontation with Voice of the People Party, cautioning party president Ardent M Basaiawmoit against what it described as overreach in matters linked to indigenous governance.The warning follows Basaiawmoit’s recent criticism of the group’s involvement in the functioning of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, particularly over the prolonged delay in issuing the appointment to the Syiem of Hima Sohra. The HNLC has maintained that the delay is politically motivated and linked to the role of the KHADC’s acting chief executive, whom it alleges is aligned with the VPP. In a statement issued on December 22, the group’s general secretary asserted that the organisation stood by its inter...

This Christmas marked a rare and meaningful moment in Meghalaya’s political landscape as the Bharatiya Janata Party celebrated the festival at its Shillong office for the first time in the state’s history. The office, usually a hub of political activity, took on a warmer, more human tone as party leaders and workers came together to mark the occasion. What made the celebration truly significant was the message behind it. Chicken was served for lunch, followed by fish fingers later in the day — a simple yet powerful gesture in a state where food is closely tied to culture and identity. The act directly addressed long-standing fears that the BJP’s presence could interfere with local food habits or religious practices. The BJP Meghalaya State President said the programme was held with ...