Meghalaya

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has announced that nearly 9% of the state’s budget is now allocated to the medical and health sector, marking a significant commitment to healthcare. Speaking at the inauguration of the Babies’ Critical Care Unit at Ganesh Das Government Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Shillong, Sangma noted that this allocation might be among the highest in the country, reflecting the state’s prioritization of health services. The newly inaugurated unit, operational since May 1, 2024, is the first government facility in Meghalaya offering specialized care for newborns and mothers. It features a 30-bed complex equipped with a Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU), Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and Mother-Newborn Care Unit (MNCU). Funded through the Pradh...

Salseng C Marak, the former Chief Minister of Meghalaya and a prominent Congress party leader, passed away on Friday at the age of 82. Marak died at Tura Civil Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment since August 12, following initial care at Holy Cross Hospital starting August 8. Serving as Meghalaya’s Chief Minister from 1993 to 1998, Marak was the sixth individual to hold the office. A respected politician, he represented the Resubelpara constituency in North Garo Hills in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. Known for his integrity and termed the ‘Mr. Clean’ of Meghalaya politics, Marak was admired for his steadfast principles and leadership. Marak was notably vocal about the dangers of connections between militants and politicians, warning that such links could undermine Co...

The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) has called on the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government to urgently resume the second phase of border negotiations with Assam. The party emphasized the need to address six remaining disputed areas between the two states, urging immediate action to resolve the century-old boundary issues. HSPDP President KP Pangniang voiced his concerns in a letter to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, expressing disappointment over the slow progress of the negotiations. While acknowledging the MDA government's efforts in resolving six sectors of the interstate boundary dispute in 2022, Pangniang stressed that addressing the remaining sectors must be a top priority. The appeal comes at a crucial time as tensions over unresolved border areas have pe...

Miscreants have reportedly broken into the Mawjymbuin Cave in Meghalaya to perform religious rituals, just days before the Meghalaya High Court is set to hear a case concerning a ban on Hindu worship at the site. A video circulating on social media shows the rituals being conducted and the lock securing the cave's entrance being forcibly removed. The High Court had imposed a temporary restriction on access to the cave following a ban that has sparked significant controversy. The court is scheduled to hold further hearings on August 14 to address the issue, focusing on a dispute between the Hindu organization 'Yatra' and the Dorbar Shnong of Mawsynram. The controversy began after the Mawsynram Dorbar Shnong prohibited Hindu devotees from offering prayers at the cave, which is revered...

The ten Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) from the Northeast have united to press the central government for swift action on amending the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The decision came during a meeting held at Tripura Castle, Shillong, led by Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) chief, Pyniaid Sing Syiem. In a media briefing, Syiem stated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has committed to addressing the ADCs' concerns by August 25. The newly formed committee, which Syiem will chair, aims to ensure a unified approach from all ten ADCs. The committee will include TIPRA Motha leader Pradyot Manikya Deb Barma and Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) member Elwin Teron as advisers. Syiem noted that Shah promised to finalize the ADCs' demands before presenting ...

The Meghalaya government is set to hold a crucial meeting with the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) today, aiming to address the long-pending issue of relocating 342 families from Them Iew Mawlong. This meeting has been awaited for months, with both parties under pressure to find a resolution. The state had earlier granted the Harijan committee two months to appoint a new president to facilitate the relocation discussions. The delay in addressing the relocation issue has been a significant concern, with the matter lingering unresolved for a considerable time. On June 13, the Meghalaya High Court granted a six-week extension to the state government and the HPC to continue their negotiations. Justice W. Diengdoh, who passed the order, noted that both sides indicated progress in their...

The Shillong Traffic Police (STP) have detected over 408 vehicles using unauthorized black or tinted films on their windows between July 14 and August 1, 2024. This crackdown is part of a broader effort to curb illegal vehicle modifications in the city. The authorities have taken action against the violators in accordance with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. The Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, urged all motorists to comply with the law and refrain from using black films on their vehicles, highlighting that it violates the directive issued by the Supreme Court of India in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 265 of 2011. This directive prohibits the use of black films of any percentage on the windshield and side glasses of vehicles. "Strict action will be taken against the...