Meghalaya

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...

The All-Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxis Association (AKMTTA) has urged the Meghalaya government to establish a “reciprocal transport” agreement with Assam to enhance transport cooperation between the two states. In a formal letter addressed to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, the association outlined the need for a symmetric arrangement that would benefit transporters from both Meghalaya and Assam. The AKMTTA proposed the introduction of Meghalaya Motor Vehicle and Taxation Rules and emphasized the necessity of establishing an information center for the tourism department that operates around the clock at key locations, including the Guwahati airport, the railway station, and the Shillong airport in Umroi. Additionally, they requested the deployment of a Tourism and Permit Issuing Author...

The Meghalaya government has intensified its efforts to monitor essential commodity prices following a surge in the cost of food grains, pulses, and vegetables, impacting daily life for residents. In a recent notification, the government attributed the rising prices to increased transportation costs due to the state’s hilly terrain, as well as its reliance on imports. Market fluctuations and irregular monsoon patterns, leading to both droughts and floods, have further strained local crop yields and contributed to price instability. To counter these challenges, the state has bolstered its Price Monitoring System, which collects and disseminates wholesale and retail prices for 22 essential commodities across 10 centres, including Shillong, Tura, and Jowai. These efforts are aimed at a...