Meghalaya

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday chaired a series of high-level review meetings to assess progress across key sectors under the state government’s Mission 10 framework, with a strong push on infrastructure, environmental sustainability, cultural research, and preparations for the National Games 2027. The review, held in Shillong with senior ministers and top officials, brought together departments including transport, forest and environment, arts and culture, urban affairs, and teams linked to the upcoming Games. The Chief Minister took stock of ongoing initiatives and called for faster, outcome-driven implementation across sectors. Urban transformation in Shillong emerged as a central priority. Stressing the need to maximise economic potential and public value, San...

The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) on Tuesday issued a corrigendum, partially modifying the Consent to Establish granted to M/s Umiam Hotels Pvt. Ltd. for the development of a proposed luxury resort and spa project in Ri-Bhoi district.The project spans a total area of 66 acres, comprising 30 acres at Mainland Umiam and 36 acres at Lumpongdeng Island. The corrigendum, issued in reference to the earlier approval dated March 17, introduces key restrictions concerning development activities on Lumpongdeng Island. According to MSPCB Member Secretary, GH Chyrmang, the revised conditions clearly prohibit any form of permanent construction on the island portion of the project. A new sub-condition, previously missing, has been inserted under the general conditions, stating that...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday announced that the state government has initiated a comprehensive research project to study the origins of the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes. He said two separate committees have been constituted to carry out the study, one focusing on the Khasi-Jaintia community and the other on the Garo tribe. Sangma said the project will involve DNA mapping, along with the study of linguistic and cultural linkages, and collaboration with researchers to document various aspects of the tribes. The Chief Minister said two separate committees have been constituted for the study—one focusing on the Khasi-Jaintia community and the other on the Garo tribe—to ensure a detailed and specialised approach. According to the Chief Minister, the research is e...

Assam Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday chaired a series of review meetings with various departments at the State Guest House in Shillong. Urban infrastructure and redevelopment in Shillong formed a key focus of the meetings. The chief minister emphasized that all projects must maximize public value, economic activity, and long-term sustainability. He called for the adoption of innovative models, including public-private partnerships, and directed that concession options be carefully evaluated before committing public funds. Stressing efficient land use, he noted that prime urban spaces should be developed into vibrant commercial and public hubs. Land allocation and infrastructure planning were also reviewed, including the earmarking of land for power-related infrastructure, with...

The Khasi Students' Union (KSU) Laban Circle on Tuesday sealed a structure at Lower Lumparing, alleging that it was being used as an unauthorised masjid (mosque) without approval from the local Dorbar Shnong. Acting on complaints from residents, members of the union visited the site and claimed that the premises had been converted into a place of worship named "Lumparing Masjid" without obtaining the required permissions from the Dorbar Shnong or other competent authorities. According to the KSU, the land was originally designated as a caretaker's quarters for an individual responsible for maintaining a nearby Muslim graveyard. However, over time, the structure was allegedly repurposed into a religious site. Following the complaint, the Dorbar Shnong Lower Lumparing reportedly conducte...

The Jaintia National Council (JNC) has raised serious concerns over a persistent power supply crisis affecting seven villages under the 7 Shnong Circle in Khliehriat division, formally submitting a complaint to the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL). The villages—Moolamanoh, Moolang, Musniang, Musniangrim, Rangad, Lumputhoi, and Moonongtdu—have been facing frequent and prolonged power outages, often stretching from several hours to an entire day. Despite the inconsistent supply, residents continue to receive electricity bills that do not reflect actual usage. Describing the situation as a serious lapse in service delivery, the JNC stated that consumers are being charged fully despite irregular power supply, raising concerns over fa...

Amid a hue and cry to relocate hawkers from different stretches of Shillong, scores of vendors have established their business along the newly-built Shillong-Upper Shillong four-lane road. Although several stretches of this road are incomplete, rows of 10-20 stalls have imparted the finished portions an unkempt look. The hawkers have also become a risk-for themselves and those zooming past in vehicles of all kinds. People stopping their vehicles to buy an assortment of goods and eatables indicate the hawkers are doing brisk business, but this has increased the risk of accidents, given the fact that Meghalaya has had a few cases where speeding vehicles fatally hit roadside vendors. One of the most critical stretches where stalls have come up is the newly constructed bypass. Some more...

The police will seek judicial custody of former MLA Esmatur Mominin, who surrendered before the police in Nongpoh on Monday. A government source said that Mominin, who was arrested in Nongpoh after his surrender, is on transit remand and he will be produced before the court in Tura. Due to the law and order situation, and considering the safety of the accused, the police will directly seek judicial custody of the custody instead of police custody, the source added. Momin is wanted in connection with several FIRS filed against him for inciting communal violence.

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...