Thursday, September 24

Meghalaya

No worship ban at Meghalaya’s Mawjymbuin cave shivling: Assam Hindu Body
Meghalaya

No worship ban at Meghalaya’s Mawjymbuin cave shivling: Assam Hindu Body

The Kutumba Surakshya Parishad (KSP), an Assam-based Hindu organization, confirmed that there is no restriction on worshipping the Shivling at Meghalaya's Mawjymbuin Cave in Mawsynram. Following a stakeholder meeting at the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner's office, KSP President Satya Ranjan Borah stated that daily visiting hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. have been established, with special arrangements planned for Shravan. Environmental safeguards will be enforced, including restrictions on smoke-generating items within the cave."There is no ban on worshipping the Shivling," emphasized the official statement, adding that the measures aim to preserve the site’s sanctity and environment. KSP also submitted a formal letter to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma through the Deputy Commiss...
Mawjymbuin cave issue: Dorbar reiterates ban on worship
Meghalaya

Mawjymbuin cave issue: Dorbar reiterates ban on worship

The Mawsynram Dorbar Shnong on Friday reiterated that it would not allow the Mawjymbuin cave to be converted into a place of worship. East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah held a crucial meeting on the contentious issue with all the stakeholders on Friday, who on thier part maintained that the Dorbar Shnong has the right to take a stand on the matter as the cave falls under it's jurisdiction. The Dorbar Shnong emphasised that it would not object to visitors visiting the place provided they adhered to all the SOPs. A significant outcome of the meeting was the agreement on a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for visiting the cave.The meeting came amid threats from Assam group Kutumba Suraksha Parishad (KSP) to cut off the road connectivity between Assam and Meghalaya on account...
KSU seeks state government action on ILP and unemployment crisis
Meghalaya

KSU seeks state government action on ILP and unemployment crisis

The Khasi Students' Union (KSU) has asked the state government to come out with a positive and clear message this year on the demand for the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the Meghalaya. "This year we have high expectation that the government should aggressively pursue the issue of ILP with the central government. In 2019, the resolution was passed by the Assembly and we expect the state govern- ment to come out with a positive and clear message for the people of the state regarding the Centre's mind and stand on the resolution," KSU president Lambokstar Marngar said on Thursday. Talking about other ex- pectations in 2025, the KSU leader said they expect the in- clusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, resolution of the interstate border disp...
Meghalaya’s largest cavefish named India’s first ‘National Cave Animal
Meghalaya

Meghalaya’s largest cavefish named India’s first ‘National Cave Animal

In a first for Meghalaya Neolissochilus pnar, the world’s largest cavefish fiund in the state, has been named India’s first “National Cave Animal of the Year.” This announcement was made by Speleological Association of India (SAI), an Indian partner of the International Union of Speleology (UIS) as part of its newly launched initiative to highlight the country’s unique subterranean fauna. By designating a National Cave Animal annually, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the ecological significance of cave ecosystems and promote their conservation.
NEHU acquires Rs 16.5 crore in government funding for research and development
Meghalaya

NEHU acquires Rs 16.5 crore in government funding for research and development

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) has received significant financing from the federal government. Through the Department of Pharmaceuticals, the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has authorized Rs 14 crore in funding for the "Capacity Building and Skill Development in Medical Device Sector" sub-scheme. This is a component of the larger "Strengthening of Medical Device Industry" effort, which aims to increase India's domestic capacity for producing medical devices, lessen dependency on imports, and promote global competitiveness. It is envisaged that the program will encourage collaborations between businesses, healthcare facilities, and students, offering practical experience and increasing the employability of graduates. By addr...
One stabbed on new year’s day in Shillong
Meghalaya

One stabbed on new year’s day in Shillong

As the entire Shillong was celebrating new year on January 1, a person sustained serious injuries after being stabbed by miscreants in Cantonment area of Shillong. The incident happened at the parking lot area of Ghumti in Shillong Cantonment. According to sources, the person has been admitted to NEIGRIHMS and is under medical supervision. Notably, complete details of the incident are not available at the moment and no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. Complaint lodged after attack on youth on new year's day in Shillong.As the entire Shillong was celebrating new year on January 1, a person sustained serious injuries after being attacked in Cantonment area of Shillong. As per the complaint filed at Jhalupara Police Outpost, the person identified as Deva Kharkongor,...
Meghalaya CM launches ‘Mobius Young Climate Leaders’ project for sustainability
Meghalaya

Meghalaya CM launches ‘Mobius Young Climate Leaders’ project for sustainability

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has announced the launch of the ‘Mobius Young Climate Leaders’ project, a sustainability-focused initiative targeting seven northeastern states, including Meghalaya. Spearheaded by North East Leaders Connect (NELC), the project aims to promote education, economic growth, and environmental sustainability, aligning with the Tawang Declaration. The initiative is supported by the Möbius Foundation and the University of Cambridge. Announcing the project on his official social media account, CM Sangma stated, "North East Leaders Connect is happy to launch the ‘Mobius Young Climate Leaders’ project in seven northeastern states of India for education, economic, and environmental sustainability in alignment with the Tawang Declaration." The initia...
The crisis of drug abuse in Meghalaya, with 10% of its population affected
Meghalaya

The crisis of drug abuse in Meghalaya, with 10% of its population affected

Drug misuse is a serious issue in Meghalaya, where an estimated 10% of the population, or over 3 lakh people, use drugs. The bulk of individuals impacted are young people between the ages of 15 and 29, with a prevalence rate of 30% among this demographic, according to Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh. The state administration is pushing for the creation of a special court to hear charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in response to the escalating crisis. The establishment of this specialized court is presently being discussed with the Meghalaya High Court. The Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) is a dedicated police unit that the government has set up to address the growing drug problem. With 30 policemen under its command, the ANTF is committed to co...
Meghalaya allocates Rs 90 crore for NH-6 repair, completion targeted by 2025
Meghalaya

Meghalaya allocates Rs 90 crore for NH-6 repair, completion targeted by 2025

The Meghalaya government has announced a Rs 90 crore tender for the repair and development of National Highway-6 (NH-6), aiming for completion by March 2025. The highway, a critical link for the region, has faced partial closures due to ongoing infrastructure maintenance. Sutnga Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla confirmed that work is progressing steadily, with significant improvements observed up to the Sonapur area. Construction is now advancing towards Malidor, she said, underscoring the government's commitment to ensuring timely completion.The allocated funds will be used to build new bridges, retaining walls, and other essential structures, addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges. To facilitate construction, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has implement...
The Meghalaya government suggests hosting the national games
Meghalaya

The Meghalaya government suggests hosting the national games

Early in 2027, the Meghalayan government intends to host the National Games. In order to evaluate the status of several projects aimed at creating sporting facilities for the event, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma recently met with officials. The Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) has suggested that the games be held between February and March of 2027. This schedule is predicated on the assumption that the majority of the infrastructure projects will be finished by the end of 2025 or, at the latest, by March 2026. Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Shakliar Warjri formally informed Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya of this decision. The state government and MSOA have two years to complete preparations. In 2018, the state committed to hosting 36 spor...