Meghalaya

The Nangrimingin A·chik Dol (NAD) has expressed significant concerns over escalating tensions in the Garo Hills, citing provocations, illegal infiltration, and injustices faced by indigenous communities. The organization has made several demands to the government, including a comprehensive investigation into illegal infiltration, particularly regarding the recovery of ammunition and camouflage items from a mosque in Williamnagar, action against illegal settlers on tribal land, and enhanced border security to prevent further infiltrations. NAD spokesperson Francis Marak acknowledged community support for their protests but noted cooperation issues that have strained relations, especially between Garos and Muslims. He raised doubts regarding police claims about the origin of the reco...

Amid alarming levels of industrial pollution, the Meghalaya government has imposed strict restrictions on the establishment and expansion of coke oven plants in East Jaintia Hills district. The Forest and Environment Department has issued a notification prohibiting new coke oven plants and restricting the expansion of existing units within the Soo Kilo and Umtyra industrial clusters, including a 10-kilometre buffer zone around them. The prohibitory order is based on a detailed environmental study by Enviro Infra Solutions Pvt Ltd, which highlighted significant emissions of air pollutants in the area. The findings were subsequently reviewed by an Expert Technical Committee and the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB). The assessment indicated that the clusters are approaching...

Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Monday asserted that the second term of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA-2) government has ushered in a signifivcant shift in the state’s governance, highlighting several initiatives that he described as “breakthroughs” for Meghalaya. Speaking to reporters after attending a school event in Shillong, Lyngdoh reflected on the progress achieved during the current tenure of the coalition government. While refraining from commenting on the functioning of the MDA-1 government, he noted that he was not part of that phase of the administration. However, he said the present government has taken decisive steps that have translated policies into visible changes on the ground. Pedestrian-Friendly Shillong Among the key initiatives, the Minister pointed to the...

Meghalaya is redefining its global image, moving beyond its natural beauty to position itself as a powerhouse of cultural identity and emerging economic opportunity. During the "Culinary Cascades" festival held at the scenic Wards Lake, state officials and industry experts gathered to discuss a future built on high-quality organic produce, sustainable tourism, and community-led development. The two-day festival, held in tandem with the "Seeti 2.0" culinary heritage program, served as a platform to bridge the gap between traditional roots and modern markets. Addressing the session, Vijay Kumar D., IAS, Chairman and Managing Director of Meghalayan Age Ltd., emphasized that the state’s growth strategy is now firmly centered on value addition in agriculture and the services sector. Meghalaya ...

A press conference addressing the prevailing LPG supply situation in Meghalaya was held on Monday at 12:00  The briefing was addressed by IAS officer Saloni Verma. During the press conference, Verma informed that there was no scarcity of domestic LPG cylinders in the state, assuring the public that adequate supply was being maintained for household consumers. She further stated that the supply of commercial LPG cylinders had been increased by up to 70 percent, providing relief to businesses and the hospitality sector that depend heavily on LPG for their operations. Verma also highlighted that the department was continuously engaging with the concerned authorities and suppliers to further enhance the availability of LPG in the state. She expressed hope that with ongoing efforts, th...

Around 300 farmers, mostly women, received seedlings and know-how at a capacity-building programme held at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Community and Skill Development Center on Saturday. Addressing the programme organised by NEHU-DDUCC in collaboration with ICAR-IIHR, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar urged the farmers to turn new techniques into enterprises. “Utilise the knowledge from the scientists and resource persons to face the challenge and become entrepreneurs,” Dhar said, lauding DDUCC’s skill sessions for benefiting youth and women. Dhar assured that he would provide necessary support for further such programmes in Jaintia Hills. He reminded farmers of their national role and said community-level upskilling fits his vision for holistic development. The d...

Sixteen people were arrested during a police crackdown in Meghalaya's Shillong under provisions of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, officials said on Sunday, March 29. The operation was conducted across multiple locations on Saturday following complaints from citizens and local stakeholders about alleged prostitution activities near religious and public places. Raids were carried out in areas including Khyndai Lad near Pegasus Hotel, the vicinity of the Presbyterian English Service Church opposite SBI Main Branch, areas near the MBOSE office in Lachumiere, and IGP Point. The drive was led by Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations) Ivan Diengdoh and assisted by Deputy Superintendent of Police (WCC) Joyti Wahlang, along with officers from Sadar, Laitumkhrah and Women police...

Lok Sabha MP Saleng A. Sangma from Tura has expressed grave concerns about the alleged threats in border regions and the increasing issue of illegal immigration, framing it as a matter of national security rather than solely a state issue. He referenced reports of intimidating posters in the Garo Hills, which warned local residents to evacuate border areas or face violence. This has instilled fear and anger among the population, leading Sangma to assert that such threats cannot merely be dismissed. The psychological impact is significant, with fears among residents growing into broader social anxieties. Sangma observed that the influx of people is on the rise not only in Meghalaya but also in neighboring Assam, prompting a call for urgent and coordinated action. He argued that exis...

The Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress (MPMC), led by president Joplyn Scott Shylla, strongly opposes the development of a luxury resort and spa on Lumpongdeng Island due to significant environmental concerns. The project threatens approximately 66 acres of ecologically sensitive land and poses risks to Umiam Lake, a crucial water resource and natural heritage symbol of Meghalaya. Shylla highlighted that large-scale commercial development in such delicate ecosystems can lead to irreversible environmental damage, pollution, and adverse effects on local communities reliant on the lake. She called for the state government to halt the project and instead promote sustainable and community-oriented alternatives.

In a significant operation against the flesh trade in Police Bazar, Shillong, authorities have arrested 16 individuals, including four suspected pimps linked to prostitution and immoral practices. The police action followed numerous complaints from locals regarding sex workers near churches and a Gurudwara, which raised alarm about the increased incidence of HIV in the area. The coordinated raid targeted key commercial regions, including Khyndai Lad and locations near vital public spaces, aiming to address the negative impact of these activities on the community. Led by Additional Superintendent Ivan Diengdoh and supported by various police units, the operation resulted in the detention of 16 suspects allegedly involved in sex work, with four identified as facilitators for procurin...