Meghalaya

Khasi-language film ‘Ha Lyngkha Bneng’ has been selected for the Main Competition at the 47th Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF) 2025, marking a significant achievement for Meghalaya’s regional cinema on the global stage. Filmmaker Pradip Kurbah announced the selection, highlighting the five-year journey of the film, which began gaining attention in 2020 after being showcased at the Asian Project Market in Busan and NFDC India Film Bazaar Co-Production Market. "The journey was not easy. It took two years of filming through different seasons in Sohra, Meghalaya, to capture the beauty and spirit of the land and its people," Kurbah shared. The film, produced through a collaboration between Hello Meghalaya, Pomus New Horizons, Ka Knup Creatives, and Cat N Mouse Entertainment, ...

The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has called for immediate changes in the recruitment policies of the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), demanding greater regional representation and a fair hiring process. On April 1, the union submitted a 10-point charter of demands to NEIGRIHMS Director, urging a suspension of ongoing recruitment until their concerns are addressed. KSU Employment Cell chairman Reuben Najiar emphasized the need to safeguard the rights of indigenous tribals in Meghalaya’s premier medical institute. One of the key demands is the reinstatement of the upper age limit for recruitment to 35 years, reversing the recent reduction to 30 years. Najiar termed the change “flawed and illogical,” arguing that it limits workfo...

After more than 18 months since its formation, the expert committee tasked with reviewing Meghalaya’s state reservation policy is set to submit its report on April 12. Confirming this, Chief Secretary DP Wahlang stated that the report will be submitted to him on that date. The Meghalaya government appointed retired Madhya Pradesh High Court judge, Justice Mool Chand Garg, as the Chairman of the Expert Committee in August 2023 to lead the review process. The state’s reservation policy, which allocates 40% of seats each to Khasi and Garo tribals, 15% to other backward tribes, and 5% to the open category, was slated for review following demands from various organizations. The expert committee’s mandate includes studying the current policy, recommending modifications if necessary, and c...

The Meghalaya government has temporarily halted the issuance of licences for opening liquor retail shops in Shillong. Disclosing this on Tuesday, Excise Minister Kyrmen Shylla said the government wants to monitor and study the liquor business. There are several wine shops, located close to educational institutions and places of worship. “We want to see where these IMFL retail shops are located. We may have to increase their number,” he said. Stating that a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the local headman is the most important prerequisite for opening a liquor outlet, Shylla said licences are issued only after an applicant has obtained an NOC. He said the government is required to follow procedures. The minister assured that the government will work out a mechanism to ensure tha...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has expressed disappointment over former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh referencing his late father, PA Sangma, in a political debate, calling it "unfortunate" and urging collective efforts to restore peace in Manipur. In response to Biren Singh’s remarks on X (formerly Twitter), Conrad Sangma wrote, "It's unfortunate that @NBirenSingh ji has dragged the name of (L) Shri P.A. Sangma ji. Sangma ji has always fought for the people of the North East, was a strong advocate for different issues and rights of the people of the North East." Biren Singh had earlier questioned Conrad Sangma’s awareness of security measures in Manipur, while also claiming that PA Sangma once advocated for dividing the Northeast along ethnic lines, a stance he called "...

Seven pressure groups will revive the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) to collectively address issues affecting the state. The decision was taken at a meeting of the groups which are from different parts of the state. The alliance, which will be led by Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), includes Achik Progressive Approach, Garoland State Movement Committee, United Achik Social Economic Justice Forum, Jaintia Students’ Movement, Confederation of Ri-Bhoi People and Jaintia National Council. After the meeting, held at the ICSSR-NERC Guest House in NEHU, was over, HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem told reporters the decision to revive CoMSO was made to unify efforts for tackling key regional issues. He said the groups agreed to hold the second meeting at Tura soon in c...

In a significant development, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has found deposits of bauxite, lithium and additional limestones in different parts of Meghalaya which can enrich the hill state when mined. The recent reconnaissance surveys have found the presence of bauxite in the Garo Hills region, with further deposits unearthed in the West Khasi Hills and East Khasi Hills region, according to ST Narahari, Director of GSI Training and Capacity Building Division for the state unit of Meghalaya. In the Rymrai area of West Khasi Hills, GSI has inferred substantial moderate quality bauxite resources, while significant reserves were found in another site at a village in East Khasi Hills. The survey also shed light on favourable limestone deposits, especially high-grade reserves in Lithi...

The A'chik State Peoples' Front (ASPF) intensified its demand for Tura to be declared the Winter Capital of Meghalaya by organizing its 5th public meeting at Salbari Rabukong (Pedaldoba) in West Garo Hills on Saturday. The gathering saw the participation of village leaders (Nokmas/Sorders) from over 50 villages, alongside representatives from various non- governmental organizations (NGOs). Key attendees included Malsin Marak, Secretary of the AYWO A'chotchonggre Regional Unit; Witjess Marak from the Constitutional Rights Forum (CRF); and Withing Marak, Secretary of the All-Garo Hills Merchant Association (AGHMA) Raksamgre Unit. Their presence further solidified the movement's growing support.