Meghalaya

The body of missing tourist Raja Raghuvanshi from Indore was recovered from a deep gorge near the Weisawdong Parking Lot at Riat Arliang, Meghalaya, eight days after he and his wife disappeared during a trek. A murder case has now been registered, and authorities have launched a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case. The remains were spotted by a police drone and recovered after a difficult operation from the steep terrain. A magisterial inquest was conducted in the presence of Executive Magistrate Adiel R. Kyntan. The body was identified by family members through a distinctive tattoo on the right hand reading "Raja". The body has been sent to NEIGRIHMS in Shillong for autopsy to ascertain the cause of death. Additional Deputy Commissioner Mark A Challam confirmed that ...

In a significant political development in Meghalaya, senior United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Dr Jemino Mawthoh has resigned from the party, citing "unavoidable circumstances." His departure marks the end of a long association with the regional party, where he held key positions including General Secretary and Working President. The resignation, dated May 20 but made public on May 31, has stirred speculation over his future political course. Mawthoh conveyed his decision in a letter to UDP President Metbah Lyngdoh, stating it was a personal choice and final. He refrained from disclosing specific reasons for his exit. “I am privileged to have served the party and the people as a legislator and in various leadership roles. I express my sincere thanks to the party for the opportunities...

A massive scam under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has been unearthed in Demdema Block of Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district. The verification drive, led by the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO), revealed extensive irregularities in job card issuance and fund disbursement. Initiated under the directive of the Sub-Divisional Officer of Dadenggre and executed by BDO Cheman D. Shira, the door-to-door inspection exposed systemic fraud. CoMSO, alongside grassroots organisations including GSMC, GSU Chibinang Unit, NGCO, and GFA, played a central role in identifying anomalies. The probe uncovered cases where single households held up to seven job cards—grossly violating MGNREGS norms that allow only one card per family. Shockin...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma called an emergency conference with representatives from all district administrations and pertinent departments to evaluate the situation and plan relief efforts amid the state's continuous floods, landslides, and severe rains. For the next 24 hours, authorities have been told to stay on high alert, especially in low-lying and landslide-prone areas. Departments have been instructed to work proactively to help passengers and avoid traffic jams. Districts will be separated into operating zones as part of the disaster management plan to facilitate better cooperation. To provide for quick response, all field officers have been instructed to remain stationed at their respective headquarters. Affected family should receive immediate aid. The urgent r...

Starting June 1, Meghalaya will enforce a complete ban on single-use plastics in East Khasi Hills district as part of a major step to fight pollution. The order follows directions from the Meghalaya High Court and aims to reduce plastic waste harming the environment. The District Magistrate has issued strict orders banning the use, sale, and production of plastic carry bags below 120 microns in thickness. The ban also covers plastic items such as ear buds, balloon sticks, candy and ice cream sticks, thermocol decorations, and plastic wrapping films on sweet boxes and invitations. Food outlets and vendors will no longer be allowed to use plastic plates, glasses, straws, cutlery, and stirrers. Even PVC banners below 100 microns have been prohibited. Products labeled as “biodegradab...

The search for a missing couple from Indore intensified in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills as police deployed drones and K9 squads on Wednesday in the Sohra region. The couple, Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife Sonam, went missing on Sunday evening after visiting the famed living root bridges in Nongriat village. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma assured full support and informed that he had spoken to his Madhya Pradesh counterpart to coordinate efforts. “All possible help is being extended by Meghalaya Police and local authorities to trace the couple,” a senior official close to the CM said. Police investigations revealed the couple checked into a homestay in Mawlakhiat village on May 22 before heading to Nongriat. They checked out the next day but never returned. Their rented scoo...

Three major associations at North-Eastern Hill University have called for a boycott of the Executive Council meeting scheduled for May 30 in New Delhi, escalating the ongoing administrative crisis at the prestigious institution. The North-Eastern Hill University Teachers' Association (NEHUTA), North-Eastern Hill University Non-Teaching Staff Association (NEHUNSA), and North-Eastern Hill University Students' Union (NEHUSU) issued a joint appeal urging executive council members to stay away from the meeting, which they claim is "illegitimate." The controversy centres around Vice Chancellor Prof Shukla, who has been absent from the university's Shillong headquarters for over 193 days. He went on earned leave from November 15 last year following advice from the Director of the Union Ministry ...

An important turning point in Meghalaya's attempts to enhance the infrastructure for grassroots government was reached today with the opening of a new Block Development Integrated Complex in Songsak, East Garo Hills. The project is a component of the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) program of the federal government, which has played a significant role in the modernization of state-wide block-level administrative offices. Conrad K. Sangma, the chief minister who oversaw the opening, emphasized the significance of the project by pointing out that many block offices had been in poor condition for many years. With 56 blocks dispersed throughout Meghalaya, the state has improved service delivery in rural areas and greatly improved working conditions for public em...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday unveiled the design of the upcoming Tura Secretariat, announcing a significant ₹150 crore allocation for the project aimed at transforming administrative infrastructure in the Garo Hills. Originally budgeted at ₹30 crore, the revised investment underscores the state government's focus on decentralised governance and development in western Meghalaya. The tendering process has begun, and construction is expected to start soon. In a bid to improve water access, Sangma also inspected the Dorengkigre intake point of the Williamnagar Urban Water Supply Project under AMRUT 2.0. The initiative is part of the government’s larger plan to upgrade urban water infrastructure across the state. While visiting Samanda village in East Garo Hills, ...