Meghalaya

Meghalaya is reeling under the impact of heavy rainfall, with West Garo Hills district emerging as the most severely affected area. Reports indicate that at least three lives have been lost, and numerous others have sustained injuries due to the relentless downpour. The ongoing flash floods and landslides have wreaked havoc throughout the state, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue warnings of very heavy rainfall expected in West Garo Hills over the next 24 hours. In light of the situation, the State Disaster Management Authority has urged residents to remain cautious, as thunderstorms, lightning, and exceptionally heavy rainfall are anticipated across various locations in the district. Tragically, on October 4, a landslide in Dalu village claimed the life of Sa...

The National People’s Party (NPP) and the Voice of the People Party (VPP) have come together to advocate for the creation of a civil subdivision in Mawsynram. During a protest organized by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) at Madan Malki in Shillong, leaders from both parties voiced their strong support for upgrading the Mawsynram Block to a Civil Sub-Division. VPP leader Rusievan Shangpliang called on the local community to unite in their efforts to establish the Mawsynram Civil Sub-Division, emphasizing the importance of collective action. The push for this development is not new. The KSU Sawsymper Circle, along with the KSU Balat Border Area Circle and the KSU Lawbah Border Area Circle, has previously announced plans for a sit-in demonstration in Mawsynram on August 10. This move a...

The Meghalaya government has officially sanctioned the proposal for the upgrade of Umroi Airport, as presented by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). This decision marks a significant step forward in enhancing the state's air travel infrastructure. During a hearing at the Meghalaya High Court, the government confirmed its agreement to the requirements outlined by the AAI in a letter dated September 27, 2024. Deputy Solicitor General Nitesh Mozika, representing the AAI, expressed gratitude for the government's approval and requested eight weeks to finalize the proposal for submission to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The court recognized this approval as the initial step toward the airport's expansion and scheduled the next hearing for October 24. However, previ...

The Meghalaya Police apprehended 10 Bangladeshi nationals traveling in an autorickshaw from Purakhasia on September 30. The arrest followed specific intelligence received from the Border Security Force (BSF), leading to a coordinated effort by local police. Acting on the tip-off from the 50 Battalion BSF, officials from the ZigZag Police Station established a mobile checkpoint on State Highway-12 between Dalu and Ampati. However, they were informed that the Bangladeshi nationals had already crossed the area. Swift action allowed the police to intercept and apprehend them shortly thereafter. The apprehended individuals were subsequently produced in court, with further investigations underway to ascertain the details surrounding their entry into India. This incident follows another re...

The Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), a banned organization in Meghalaya, has issued a call to action against the “Cow Yatra” movement, urging Hindus in the state to oppose its entry. Sainkupar Nongtraw, the general secretary and publicity secretary of HNLC, stated that the group would not tolerate any interference in local dietary practices. He warned that the HNLC would disrupt Hindu religious celebrations if the Cow Protection Group continued its efforts. Nongtraw’s statement was in response to recent declarations by cow protection activists about their plans in Meghalaya. He characterized these statements as provocative and warned that they could escalate tensions in the region. The HNLC expressed concerns about potential cow vigilantism in Meghalaya, citing incidents...

The governments of Assam and Meghalaya are preparing for another round of border negotiations in October, with the aim of resolving long-standing territorial disputes. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced the development on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue between the two northeastern states. Speaking to the media, Sangma said, "We have been in regular discussions, both officially and personally, with Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. The remaining areas of dispute are complex, and we plan to meet in October to take these discussions forward." The talks will focus on six disputed areas, including Langpih, Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur, Deshdoomreah, Block I & II, and Khanduli-Psiar—regions that have been a source of friction for decade...

The Meghalaya cabinet has granted in-principle approval for the expansion of Umroi Airport, following a proposal from the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and the state transport department. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced that the feasibility survey and technical report conducted in collaboration with the AAI indicated that the expansion is viable. Sangma emphasized the need for the plan to receive approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). “We now have a reasonable and feasible option to expand the Shillong Airport,” he stated during a press briefing on Wednesday. He added that while the project is on track, the extension of the runway by an additional 500 meters will take time and will require careful planning. Regarding costs, the Chief Minister noted...