Meghalaya

The Meghalaya government has notified the Meghalaya Rent a Motor Cab Operational Rules, 2025, aimed at licensing and regulating motor cab rental services within the state. According to the notification, the rules shall apply to all motor cabs holding tourist permits issued under sub-section (9) of Section 88 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Under the new rules, no person shall engage in the business of renting out a motor cab without obtaining a valid licence. Applications for the grant or renewal of such licences must be submitted in Form 1 to the licensing authority having jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence or principal place of business, along with a fee of Rs 10,000. A licence granted or renewed under Paragraph 6 will remain valid for a period of five years from t...

Four teenage girls were killed and three others injured after a goods vehicle ran over them in Meghalaya's Ri-Bhoi district and overturned, police said on Saturday. The accident happened in Thadrang village near Mawlasnai police outpost on Friday, they said. The dumper was heading to Bhoirymbong from Jowai in the West Jaintia Hills district when it hit the pedestrians, they added. Three girls died at the scene, while another succumbed to her injuries later. The victims were identified as Phibanpyntngen Rynjah (13), Lashimti Nongrum (13), Theresa Nongrum (19), and Ridahunlang Nongrum (13), all residents of Thadrang Madan Lyngbah village under Umiam police station. Another girl from the group sustained critical injuries and is undergoing treatment. The truck driver and his helper were...

The Khasi Students' Union (KSU) has opposed the inclusion of two non-tribal students in the MBBS quota, though several Khasi students secured higher marks. KSU general secretary Donald V. Thabah said Diya Ghosh, who scored 472 marks, and Tanushka Chakravarty, who scored 442 marks, were included in the unreserved category list for MBBS studies outside the state. In a statement, Thabah said one Khasi student scored higher than Ghosh, and more than seven Khasi students scored higher than Chakravarty, making them more deserving in the unreserved category. "According to the list, several Khasi students who scored higher marks than the two non-tribal students have been overlooked for the unreserved category, despite being more meritorious. Notably, one Khasi student outscored Diya Ghosh, whi...

Three-time Grammy Award winner Diplo is set to headline the second day of the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, organisers announced, adding a major international name to what is emerging as one of India’s most ambitious music events this year. The American DJ and producer, ranked among the top 10 most-streamed artists in electronic music history, joins an already stellar lineup for the two-day festival on November 14–15 at JN Stadium, Polo Grounds. Day 1 will feature global stars including Jason Derulo, The Script, and Nora Fatehi. Organisers said they are finalising a live music headliner for Day 2 to perform alongside Diplo. Diplo’s collaboration with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan for the movie Jab Harry Met Sejal, where he contributed to the music production and appeared in th...

The Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sirobilt, a software solutions company, to launch a six-month training programme on an AI-driven enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, officials said. The initiative aims to equip local youth with specialised skills that are in high demand in the digital economy, they said. The training is expected to prepare them to become proficient professionals capable of contributing to complex SAP implementation projects across industries, according to a senior official of the society. SAP S/4HANA is a next-generation ERP suite that leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time analytics. Built on SAP HANA, its in-memory database technology allows organisatio...

As the vibrant festival of Durga Puja approaches, Meghalaya is abuzz with fervour, with as many as 254 pandals set to come alive across the state, celebrating the triumph of good over evil. To ensure a safe and joyous celebration, elaborate security measures have been put in place, reflecting the state's commitment to harmony and festivity.  Adding to the cultural fervour, performers, including the iconic Dhakis, have been invited to infuse the festivities with their rhythmic beats, with a special exemption from migrant labor laws, ensuring their seamless participation in this grand spiritual spectacle. East Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, and Ri-Bhoi together will host 112 pujas. East Khasi Hills leads with 83, of which Shillong itself will see 69 pandals-60 community-based and 9 res...

In a major crackdown on narcotics smuggling, police in Meghalaya seized heroin valued at approximately Rs 2.5 crore and arrested two individuals from Manipur in West Jaintia Hills district. According to officials, the operation was carried out late Sunday night near Phramer Mer police traffic cell after a joint team of West Jaintia Hills Police and the State Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) acted on a tip-off. District Superintendent of Police (SP) Giri Prasad informed that the intercepted vehicle, which was en route to Jowai from Khliehriat, was thoroughly searched. During the inspection, law enforcement recovered 50 soap boxes filled with heroin, weighing around 512.63 grams. The arrested duo is currently under police custody, and further investigation is underway to determine the sou...

A violent encounter between police and an armed gang near Ghiladubi, close to the Assam–Meghalaya border, left four dacoits dead late Saturday night (September 27). Authorities said the gang was preparing to kidnap a local businessman when security forces moved in on specific intelligence. The operation was led by Goalpara SP Navaneet Mahanta and South Salmara-Mankachar SP Abhilash Barua. Police said the criminals opened fire as the team approached. Two gang members were killed instantly, while two others were critically injured and later died at Dhupdhara Model Hospital. The deceased were identified as Mukunda Rabha, Subur Ali, Zahidul Islam, and Chengbat Marak. SP Abhilash Barua’s vehicle came under attack during the clash but avoided serious damage. Investigators recovered four p...

The Government of Meghalaya has appointed Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed as the next Chief Secretary of the state. He will assume charge on September 30, following the superannuation of the incumbent Chief Secretary, D.P. Wahlang. Currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary, Dr. Ahammed holds charge of the Home (Police), Home (Political), Water Resources Departments, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and also functions as Chairman of the Board of Revenue. Upon taking over as Chief Secretary, Dr. Ahammed will also assume the role of State Vigilance Commissioner, Meghalaya.

Justice Soumen Sen, a judge of the Calcutta High Court, was appointed as the chief justice of the Meghalaya High Court on Friday. The Supreme Court collegium had recommended his name earlier this month. Separately, 24 judges were appointed to the Allahabad High Court and two to the Himachal Pradesh High Court. According to an official notification, “In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Soumen Sen, Judge, Calcutta High Court, to be the Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office.” Justice Sen’s name had been recommended earlier this month by the Supreme Court Collegium. Enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of West B...