Meghalaya

Meghalaya pressure group Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO), has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking the urgent extension of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime to the entire state.  The letter raises serious concerns over growing internal security threats, demographic shifts, and alleged infiltration along the India-Bangladesh border. In a detailed memorandum submitted to the Home Minister, HITO highlighted what it termed as “alarming geopolitical developments” that have implications for Meghalaya’s internal security. The group cited recent ceasefire developments along the India-Pakistan western front and the “credible intelligence” on increased infiltration from Bangladesh, allegedly supported by Pakistan’s ISI, as pressing reasons to tighten bor...

The court-appointed special officer and senior advocate Subhasis Chakrawarty on Friday met the Chef Executive Officer of Town Vending Commitee, PK Boro and East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah to discuss the modalities on vending at Khyndailad (Police Bazar). The advocate will meet the hawkers’ body on Saturday to hear its grievances. Chakrawarty said next week, he hopes to call a joint meeting of all the stakeholders to find an amicable solution to the lingering issue. When asked about the short duration of vending as fixed by the High Court, he said if there are grievances and the need for more time, this will have to be brought before the court. Chakrawarty said he will submit his report to the court by August 5 after adhering to the guidelines by the court and also by ...

The Meghalaya High Court has said that vendors without license will not be allowed to vend in Police Bazar. At the same time they are allowed to apply for vending license. A division bench of Chief Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh while hearing a PIL today also said that the vendors will have to shift to the new site arranged for them by the Shillong Municipal Board and if they failed to do so they shall be evicted. The High Court also appointed senior lawyer Subhasis Chakrawarty as special officer to monitor the implementation of the court’s order. The court said the special officer in consultation with the general secretary of the association, the local and police authorities will prepare a list of authorised or licensed vendors, stated to be around 349. “T...

The Meghalaya High Court has directed the Defence Ministry to provide detailed justification for a staggering rent increase that saw monthly payments jump from Rs 3 to Rs 13,000 for cantonment properties in Shillong. A bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh delivered the judgment on July 3, after hearing three appeals from residents who challenged the sudden rent revision implemented in April 2022. The controversy centres around approximately 3,000 residents living on Defence Ministry land in Shillong cantonment, who had been paying nominal rents for over a century. The ministry's new Standard Rent Determination formula resulted in demands that shocked long-term tenants. One resident, Bala Krishna Thapa, received a demand notice claiming Rs 1,18,823 for nine m...

The Meghalaya High Court has intervened in the ongoing eviction drive of hawkers in the Khyndailad (Police Bazar) area, directing the local and police authorities to follow due process of law. The hawkers' association had moved an application alleging forced eviction without providing alternative vending space. In  its order passed after hearing a PIL on Thursday, the division bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh appointed Senior Advocate Subhasis Chakrawarty as Special Officer to oversee the implementation of its directions. "Above all, the Special Officer with his vast knowledge, experience, maturity and tact shall ensure that our orders in this public interest litigation are implemented without any breach of peace or commission of any offence," it sa...

The Meghalaya government has finalised a comprehensive governance and administrative structure for the upcoming Shillong Medical College and Hospital, which is slated to begin operations later this year. The initiative reflects the state’s resolve to establish a high-quality, modern institution aligned with National Medical Council (NMC) standards. From academic administration to student welfare and safety, the governance model includes multiple expert-led committees aimed at ensuring operational efficiency, transparency, and academic excellence. At the core of this structure is the newly established Shillong Medical College Council, a 15-member body led by the college dean. This council will serve as the central academic authority, overseeing curriculum development, teaching standards...

The Meghalaya government has begun the relocation of over 400 street vendors from key areas of the city. The initiative, however, has triggered protests from hawkers who claim the process lacks fairness and adequate consultation. Officials from the Urban Affairs Department confirmed that three designated areas—inside and outside the MUDA parking lot, and the municipal parking lot opposite the SBI Main Branch—have been earmarked for the relocation. As part of the rehabilitation package, each eligible vendor is being offered a ₹20,000 relocation allowance to help ease the transition. The process stems from a digital in-situ survey conducted between December 2023 and January 2024 across 23 locations in Shillong, identifying 1,400 vendors, out of which 760 were declared eligible. In the Kh...

The Meghalaya High Court has ordered the state government and the Union of India to provide updates on the implementation of a 2016 Commissioner's report that highlighted the need for better safeguards for linguistic minorities in the state. Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh issued the directive on July 1 while hearing a public interest litigation filed by the Meghalaya Linguistic Minority Development Forum, a registered society representing the interests of linguistic minorities in the state. The case centres around a comprehensive report submitted by the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities on March 29, 2016, which identified significant gaps in the protection of minority language speakers in Meghalaya. According to the 2001 census data cited in the report, while Khasi s...

High Court of Meghalaya will hear the pending issue related to hawkers, on Thursday. Though the case pertains to traffic congestion in the city, the government feels that hawkers also add to the traffic congestion. Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong told reporters that the  government’s decision to relocate hawkers at Khyndailad area is aimed at benefiting them, rather than victimizing them. He expressed surprise that some hawkers are creating problems despite the government’s efforts to support them. “It is not that we wanted to victimize the hawkers. In fact this is done for their own good. You will not find a government which is really thinking seriously about the interest of the hawkers. Shifting allowance of Rs 10,000 is being provided and plus ...