Meghalaya

Meghalaya observed National Fire Service Day with a solemn ceremony held on Tuesday to honour firefighters who laid down their lives in the line of duty. Meghalaya Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang attended the ceremony as chief guest. The observance underscored the spirit of sacrifice and duty that defines fire services across the country, as tributes were paid to martyrs for their commitment and service. The occasion highlighted the collective resolve to remember their sacrifices and to strengthen efforts towards building a fire-resilient nation. The ceremony also commemorated the historic tragedy of April 14, 1944, when the vessel S.S. Fort Stikine exploded at the Bombay Docks, resulting in heavy casualties, including 71 personnel of the Bombay Fire Service who lost ...

The rhythmic heartbeat of the Khasi Hills echoed through Weiking Ground as hundreds gathered to celebrate Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, also known as the “Dance of the Peaceful Hearts.” Participants from across the Hynniewtrep region assembled in traditional attire, transforming the venue into a vibrant display of culture and devotion. More than just a thanksgiving ritual, the festival reflects the Khasi community’s deep spiritual connection with nature, the harvest cycle, and the Creator. The celebration is marked by powerful symbolism. Women, adorned in elegant Jainsems and intricate crowns of silver and gold, move gracefully in the inner circle, representing the custodians of lineage and the strength of the clan. Encircling them are male dancers, carrying waitlam (swords) and symphiah (anima...

Tura BJP MDC Bernard Marak has strongly condemned the desecration of a statue of Jesus Christ at a village in Chibinang in Phulbari area West Garo Hills (WGH). The incident allegedly took place during the violence that rocked the Gar Hills region last month. During his recent visit to Chibinang and the surrounding villages affected by the recent conflict, Marak was informed by local residents about the incident that was not reported in the media. The people expressed anguish that the matter had been allegedly suppressed despite its serious nature. As per a statement from the BJP leader, he was informed that a mob — largely comprising of illegal migrants — was instigated and provoked by former MLA and MDC, Esmatur Mominin. The mob allegedly engaged in widespread violence, including...

 Former MLA Estamur Mominin surrendered before police in Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya on Monday He was evading arrest after he was accused of instigating violence that erupted in Garo Hills following tensions over the GHADC elections. Mominin surrendered before the police at Nongpoh Police Station after remaining absconding since unrest broke out in the region earlier this month. According to police, the violence dates back to March 9, when Mominin had gone to the office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tura to file his nomination as a candidate for the GHADC elections. His presence allegedly triggered protests outside the DC office, which soon escalated into clashes. On the same day, Mominin was also accused of making an inflammatory speech at Chibinang, which further aggravated ten...

Ex-MLA from Phulbari Constituency in Garo Hills, Esmatur Mominin surrendered before police in Nongpoh on Monday. He was absconding following the law and order situation in Garo Hills, after his communal speech. On March 9, he was in DC Office Tura to file nomination for GHADC polls, which sparked law and order situation. Later on the same day, he made allegedly inflammatory speech at Chibinang that led to utter choas. Following his attempt to file nomination, law and order situation worsen in Garo Hills and the election had to be cancelled.

A recent study has raised serious concerns about the impact of climate change on farmers in Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills, revealing that nearly two-thirds of smallholder farmers in the region are highly vulnerable to changing weather patterns and weak support systems.The study, conducted by researchers from Mizoram University along with other collaborating institutions, surveyed 300 farming households across 12 villages. It found that a large number of farmers fall under high to very high vulnerability categories, with a mean vulnerability index of 0.667. Researchers said rising temperatures over the years have emerged as a major factor affecting agriculture in the region. Based on climate data analysed over nearly seven decades, the study observed a steady increase in both maximum and minim...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has announced a financial grant of Rs 25 lakh for a newly inaugurated shelter home for destitute and abandoned women, while also recognising the achievements of students from child care institutions in the state.The Chief Minister inaugurated the facility at Mawïong Rim, stating that the fund would be provided from the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF) to support the functioning of the shelter. The home, named Nabon Memorial Home, has been set up to provide safe accommodation and care for vulnerable women.The shelter has been established by Jingiaseng Kynthei Shillong Ri-Lum Presbytery and is aimed at offering protection, dignity and support to women who are in distress or without family support. Speaking at the event, Sangma said t...

Mera Yuva Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, on Saturday inaugurated the MY Bharat Budget Quest 2026 – North Eastern Region at the U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong. The two-day event, covering all eight northeastern states, is being held from April 12 to 13, with Shillong among 17 locations nationwide hosting the initiative. The programme brings together young participants selected through a multi-stage national competition, along with academicians, industry leaders, and subject experts to deliberate on themes linked to the Union Budget 2026. More than 15,000 youth across the country are taking part in the exercise. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Chief Guest Mariahom Kharkhang (Retd IPS), along with MY Bharat officials and state repre...

The BJP wanted the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls before the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) polls. BJP chief spokesperson M Kharkrang told reporters on Saturday that the party has already announced several candidates. "By the time the election is declared, we will have candidates for all seats," Kharkrang said. The GHADC polls were postponed due to protests against non-tribal participation. Kharkrang said the SIR will ensure that only eligible voters are included in the electoral rolls. "We welcome SIR and support its conduct, especially in areas with doubtful voters. It should be completed before the GHADC elections, ideally by April," he said. Regarding influx, Kharkrang said the BJP-led government at the Centre is taking steps to addr the ...

The secretary of the ministry of development of north eastern region (MDoNER), Sanjay Jaju, reviewed a host of infrastructure and tourism projects in Meghalaya and expressed satisfaction over the pace of development, officials said on Sunday. Jaju, who is on a two-day visit to the state, held a high-level review meeting at the Meghalaya Secretariat with the Chief Secretary and senior state government officials to assess the status of key initiatives and strengthen Centre-State coordination. The Secretary reviewed a portfolio of 16 projects sanctioned between FY 2022-23 and FY 2025-26, with a total sanctioned amount of Rs 1,411.58 crore, exceeding the normative allocation of Rs 1,262 crore, officials at the North Eastern Council (NEC) told reporters. Accompanied by the Joint Secretary o...