Meghalaya

The Meghalaya government has announced a set of road renamings across the state, with immediate effect, according to a notification issued by the General Administration Department (B). Under the changes, “Blessed Mother Teresa” road will now be known as “Saint Teresa Road”, while “Rev Nichol’s Roy Road” has been corrected and renamed “Rev. J.J.M Nichols Roy Road”. The PWD road stretch from Thorika Rabha to Nibari has been renamed “Utpal Rabha Road”. Authorities have also renamed “Pasyih Garampani Road (P.G Road)” as “Phramer–Shangpung–Saphai Road”. Another route, running from Wahthapbru locality towards Jaiaw Pdeng via Mission Compound, will now be called “Dr. Friday Lyngdoh Road”. Officials said the notification has been circulated to all concerned departments and stakeholders for...

Pressures continue to escalate in Meghalaya as demurrers against the controversial tourism design near Umiam Lake consolidate, with the agitation led by the Green- Tech Foundation (GTF) entering its eleventh day. The kick at Malki Ground has taken a serious turn, with GTF clerk general Ritre Lyngdoh continuing an indefinite hunger strike after the organisation’s president H. Bansiewdor Nonglang was hospitalised due to deteriorating health following several days of fasting. Despite medical enterprises and signs of weakening vitals, Lyngdoh has pledged to continue the kick, stating that public support has strengthened his resoluteness. The agitation centres on the state government’s decision to lease Lumpongdeng Island for 60 times to develop a luxury resort and gym, a move explosive...

A tense standoff has emerged in Meghalaya over the proposed privatisation of Lumpongdeng Island, as the Green-Tech Foundation (GTF) intensified its protest with a dramatic ultimatum to the state government. GTF chairman H Bansiewdor Nonglang, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 10 days, was shifted from Civil Hospital to Woodland Hospital after his health deteriorated significantly. Despite medical concerns, he continues to refuse food. In his absence, GTF secretary general Ritre Lyngdoh has taken over the hunger strike. Addressing the media at Malki Ground, Lyngdoh warned that if the government does not immediately revoke the 60-year lease granted for a luxury resort on Lumpongdeng Island, the protest could result in fatalities. “We intend to send a very strong message...

University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) is set to host the Northeast NSS Festival 2026 from April 21 to 25, 2026, on its campus. Centred on the theme “Empowered Youth for Viksit Bharat,” the five-day festival will bring together National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers from across the Northeastern states, fostering unity, leadership, and community engagement. The festival aims to provide a dynamic platform for youth to engage in nation-building activities while promoting the spirit of “Not Me, But You,” NSS's guiding principle. The inaugural session of the Northeast NSS Festival will be graced by distinguished dignitaries, including the Meghalaya minister Sosthenes Sohtun and MLA Mayralborn Syiem. The occasion will also be attended by senior officials from the Nationa...

Voice of the People Party (VPP) has called for a public meeting at Motphran on April 22 as part of a broader agitation against the Meghalaya government's alleged “anti-indigenous” policies. The public meeting marks a significant escalation in the standoff over the proposed luxury resort at Umiam. During the agitation, the party plans to also place the long-standing grievances regarding irregularities in the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) and District Selection Committees (DSC), alongside the rights of teachers and border residents. VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, while announcing the agitation following an emergent party meeting on Saturday, accused the NPP-led administration of being “insensitive and dismissive” of the interests of the Khasi-Jaintia community,...

A tragic road accident near Civil Hospital Nongstoin claimed the life of one person after a motorbike crashed into and got lodged under a pickup vehicle. According to reports, the bike (AS 21 E 5628) collided with an oncoming pickup, resulting in a severe impact. One of the riders, identified as D. Marngar (38) from Nongdisong, residing in Risiang village under Mawthiet area of West Khasi Hills, died on the spot. He was reportedly riding pillion at the time of the accident. The rider of the bike sustained serious injuries and was immediately rushed to Civil Hospital Nongstoin, where he is currently undergoing treatment. Local shnong leaders expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing the victims as well-known and respected individuals.

The India tour of German rock band Scorpions has been cancelled, including the much-awaited Shillong concert, organisers confirmed on Friday. In a statement, BookMyShow said the band’s “Coming Home” India Tour was called off due to “unforeseen medical circumstances affecting the band members.”

The second phase of border talks between Meghalaya and Assam to resolve the remaining six areas of difference will resume after the Assam Assembly elections, Hill State People’s Democratic Party president KP Pangniang said on Friday. “Recently, the chief minister told us that as and when the Assam election is over, they will resume the border talks,” Pangniang told reporters. He said the party had submitted a reminder to the government last year to continue the talks. “Last year, we submitted a reminder from the party to the government to continue the second phase of border talks with Assam,” he said. Pangniang added that the HSPDP would meet the chief minister again in the coming days to press for the talks. According to him, settlement of the interstate boundary with Assam remains a key...

Green Tech Foundation Chairman H Bansiewdor Nonglang was admitted to Shillong Civil Hospital on Friday after his health deteriorated following a nine-day hunger strike against the proposed tourism project on Lumpongdeng Island. Speaking before his hospitalisation, Nonglang said the protest was aimed at forcing the government to scrap the project. “Worry not about me, but about Umiam and Lumpongdeng. If we fail to reclaim Lumpongdeng, the indigenous community loses. If we succeed, we will regain ownership of Umiam and Lumpongdeng,” he said. Nonglang said he had decided to get admitted in the hospital on the insistence of his colleagues. “I have fasted for nine days and done all I can as a leader. But I must consider my people and fellow Green Tech Foundation leaders, who are urging me t...

The Meghalaya High Court has officially quashed criminal proceedings against eight members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) in connection with an assault and abduction case dating back to 2020. The High Court’s ruling comes in the wake of an amicable settlement reached between the accused and the complainant, Pynshngain Wanniang. The original charges arose from an incident in which Wanniang alleged that a group of 25 to 30 KSU members had forcibly entered his home, abducted him, and taken him to their local office in Mawkyrwat. He reported being subjected to physical assault during the encounter before eventually being released to his mother. Following a police investigation, charges were framed against KSU district president Fordwardman Nongrem and seven others under various section...