Meghalaya

The process of relocation of street hawkers from Laitumkhrah has been deferred as talks between the stakeholders failed to make a headway on Monday. Meanwhile, the Urban Affairs department and the local dorbar have been asked to carry out a joint site inspection within ten days to resolve the key details. The meeting attended by East Shillong MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh and Dorbar Shnong headmen ended with “some plus, some minus” and no concrete outcome, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar said on Monday. “They have asked me for ten days’ time, so I have given time to take a concrete decision,” Dhar told reporters. “There are some places we need to recheck and verify again. Within ten days there will be a joint inspection between the Urban Affairs Department and...

In a significant and contentious move, the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) has amended its election rules to make possession of a Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate mandatory for candidates contesting council polls. The decision marks a major shift in electoral eligibility and has reignited debates over representation and tribal rights in the region.The development comes in the aftermath of unrest in parts of Garo Hills, particularly in West Garo Hills, where tensions escalated after former MLA Esmatur Mominin, a non-tribal leader, attempted to file his nomination earlier this month. The situation led to curfews, internet shutdowns, and violence that claimed lives and caused property damage.Originally scheduled for April 10, the GHADC elections were postponed, with the counci...

Meghalaya’s young performers returned with multiple recognitions from the North-East Youth Festival held in Chumoukedima, underlining the State’s growing presence in regional cultural competitions. An 80-member contingent representing various districts competed across categories such as group folk song, folk dance, one-act play, rock band and solo guitar, alongside participating in adventure and food festival segments. The participation reflected a broad mix of traditional and contemporary art forms. A key highlight came from West Khasi Hills, where Pynnehkupar Syiemlieh secured a prize in the solo guitar category. Additional recognition followed in group events, with a Ri Bhoi-based dance troupe receiving a consolation prize in folk dance, while Jowai-based band Unfading Horizons was ...

In 2025, the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) recommended a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the children of a woman who died at the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Hospital in Jowai. An inquiry by the Health and Family Welfare Department, initiated on July 7, 2025, revealed several lapses in the woman's treatment. The MHRC acted on its own initiative after a newspaper reported allegations of negligence by hospital authorities. Secretary L.C. Marak stated that the Commission, upon reviewing the inquiry's findings, determined that the death resulted from medical personnel's failure to exercise due diligence. The final order was issued on March 23, and the recommendation for compensation was sent to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, aimed at supporting the decea...

Anticipation is high for Def Leppard's upcoming India tour, starting in Shillong on March 25 at the RBDSA Sports Complex, featuring the energetic rock band Trance Effect as the opening act. Known for their compelling stage presence and blend of hard rock with contemporary influences, Def Leppard has established a strong identity in India's rock scene, making Trance Effect a fitting opening choice in Shillong, dubbed the rock capital of India. The tour will also showcase notable Indian acts, including Indus Creed in Mumbai on March 27 at Jio World Garden and Thermal And A Quarter in Bengaluru on March 29 at NICE Grounds, building a dynamic lineup of live rock music. This inclusion of local talent marks a significant shift in India's live music landscape, as it allows these bands to perform...

On March 23, in New Delhi, the Government of India announced the nomination of the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2026–27 cycle. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat communicated this information in a written reply during a Lok Sabha session. Additionally, India has put forth a proposal to recognize the Ancient Buddhist Site at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, for the upcoming 2025–26 cycle. These nominations have been forwarded to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for evaluation. The Living Root Bridges, also referred to as Jingkieng Jri, exemplify an extraordinary cultural landscape crafted by local communities residing in one of the planet's wettest regions. They stand as a testament to remarkable human ingenuity, collaborat...

Huge crowds gathered outside the NPP office in Tura, erupting in celebration after Minister Marcuise Marak made a key announcement. The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council has passed amended rules mandating a valid ST certificate to contest council elections. Scenes of jubilation on the ground  slogans, dancing, and firecrackers with supporters calling it a major step to protect tribal representation in the council. Details on rollout and implementation are awaited.

Meghalaya's leader of opposition Mukul Sangma on Saturday urged the state government to institute an independent commission of inquiry into the Garo Hills violence, stating that accountability and due process were essential to restore public confidence. In a petition to Governor CH Vijayashankar, Sangma flagged a "serious law and order situation" in the Garo Hills region, which he said stemmed from a series of developments linked to the elections to the tribal Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC). He said tensions escalated over demands by certain civil society organisations representing the Garo community to bar non-tribals from contesting the GHADC polls, the issuance of a notification by the then chief executive member of the council, and a meeting held in Phulbari area...

Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) has launched its long-awaited academy at Polo Ground, marking a significant step towards strengthening the state’s football structure and nurturing young talent.The initiative coincides with the association’s golden jubilee year. MFA officials said the decision to establish the academy was taken as part of efforts to “prepare the groundwork for the next generation of footballers” and to build on five decades of the sport’s growth in the state. The first batch includes 60 boys, split evenly between the under-12 and under-14 age groups. More than 300 children had appeared for the initial trials, with the final intake selected after a series of assessments. The trainees will work under experienced youth coaches, including Playerson Syiemlieh, Amit Rai,...

Activists from the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, raising concerns over alleged land encroachment and threats to indigenous rights.The demonstration, led by the Nangrimingin A’chik Dol (NAD), brought together multiple organizations and community members who accused unauthorized settlers of occupying tribal land and resources. Protesters claimed that such activities have led to rising tensions and disturbances in the region.Highlighting constitutional protections under the Sixth Schedule, the groups warned that continued encroachment could undermine the legal safeguards granted to Indigenous communities. They also alleged that certain recent conflicts were deliberate attempts to destabilize local populations.The NAD criticized authorities for...