Meghalaya

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...

The Meghalaya government is moving forward with ambitious plans to expand Shillong Airport in Umroi, aiming to boost regional connectivity by accommodating larger aircraft. Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, who oversees the transport department, shared key details after a site visit and discussions with aviation officials. A report from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) highlighted the potential for expansion, focusing on a 900-meter runway extension to the south. This plan would avoid nearby hills and mitigate environmental concerns. However, regulatory hurdles remain. Dhar emphasized the need for exemptions from central government guidelines to keep the project feasible. Without these exemptions, the estimated cost could skyrocket to Rs 8,000 crore, threatening the project...

Three female sericulture farmers from Meghalaya were honoured for their exceptional contributions to the sericulture sector during the Central Silk Board's (CSB) Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in Mysuru, Karnataka. The national-level event, organised by the Ministry of Textiles, marked the 75th anniversary of the CSB and celebrated sericulture farmers from across the country. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate the women, praising their achievements and dedication to the state's sericulture industry. "Congratulations to the three distinguished lady sericultural farmers for their outstanding contributions and exceptional performance," he wrote. The event was inaugurated by Union Minister for Textiles Giriraj Singh...

Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma has expressed strong support for the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal recently approved by the Union Cabinet. Speaking on the matter, Sangma described the initiative as both "logical and practical" for India’s future electoral processes. The proposal, based on recommendations from a panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, aims to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, urban bodies, and panchayats, potentially within the next 100 days. Sangma highlighted that conducting multiple elections throughout the year drains significant resources, both in terms of time and finances. He underscored the need to streamline the election process, stating that a unified system could address the challenges posed by fre...

Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma has called for a sustainable and eco-friendly approach in the construction of the new Meghalaya Legislative Assembly building at Mawdiangdiang. During an inspection on Thursday, September 19, Sangma stressed the importance of incorporating green spaces and engaging departments like Forest and Horticulture to ensure the premises are environmentally friendly. "I have asked the relevant departments to ensure that the entire complex is made as green as possible," Sangma stated during the site visit. He also directed the Arts and Culture Department to design interiors that highlight Meghalaya's rich heritage, with plans to depict the state's history and the Assembly's 51-year journey. While expressing satisfaction with the progress, the Speaker ...