Meghalaya

UDP leader and Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem has raised alarms regarding recurrent tensions in Maikhuli village along the Meghalaya-Assam border, despite its inclusion in the initial phase of the boundary resolution process. Recent incidents have been triggered by the construction of electric poles by the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL), which sparked a confrontation when residents of the adjacent Bakrapara village in Assam opposed the installation. This clash escalated to the point where the headman of Maikhuli was reportedly assaulted by unidentified individuals claiming ownership of the land. Syiem, a member of the regional committee tasked with addressing interstate boundary issues, noted that these ongoing conflicts hinder developmental initiatives and emphasize the criti...

A one-day training programme on “Monitoring of Threatened Mammalian Fauna of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)” was successfully conducted on January 20 at the DC Office, Baghmara, Meghalaya. The programme was organized by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata in collaboration with Meghalaya Forest Department, with active participation law enforcement agencies, academic institutions, NGOs, and local community representatives. The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of frontline staff, field officers, students, and community stakeholders in scientific monitoring and conservation of threatened mammalian fauna, with a focus on addressing emerging conservation challenges including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change impacts.The training programme emphasized...

The 54th Meghalaya Statehood Day celebration in Baghmara honored (L) Captain Williamson A Sangma, the founding father of the State. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring all parts of the state are included in progress. He highlighted the divine blessings that led to the establishment of Meghalaya, urging unity amongst its people despite current social media divisions that foster negativity and hatred. The Chief Minister received a letter from the Prime Minister, who praised the contributions of the late P.A. Sangma and acknowledged the progress made in the last five decades. He conveyed a vision for continued cooperation and responsibility among the citizens. Speaking on development, the Chief Minister noted impressive growth rates over ...

West Jaintia Hills police have apprehended 18 Bangladeshi nationals and two Indian touts during a coordinated operation in the early hours of January 20, officials confirmed. The operation, which began around 3:00 am, saw the West Jaintia Hills Police Special Team working alongside the Headman and Village Defence Party (VDP) of Demthring village to intercept multiple vehicles transporting undocumented foreign nationals near the India-Bangladesh border. Acting on intelligence that Bangladeshi nationals were being ferried from Jowai towards Dawki, authorities first detained four individuals travelling in a vehicle bearing registration number ML-04D/7339, driven by Vishal Dkhar of Dawki. The vehicle was intercepted near Sanmala Guest House in Amlarem following a pursuit from Lad Demthring...

Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma has reconstituted of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC). The newly reconstituted committee headed by the Speaker will comprise of four members – Prestone Tynsong, Deputy Chief Minister i/c Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Mukul Sangma, Leader of Opposition, Charles Pyngrope, Opposition Chief Whip and UDP MLA Paul Lyngdoh. The notification issued by Malthus S Sangma, Secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, states that the Speaker is pleased to reconstitute the BAC to advise on the legislative business and proceedings of the Assembly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, January 21 extended warm greetings to the people of Meghalaya on the occasion of the state’s 54th Statehood Day, hailing its rich cultural legacy, natural beauty, and meaningful contributions to India’s national development. Marking the milestone, the Prime Minister underscored Meghalaya’s growing role in the country’s progress and expressed optimism about its future trajectory. In a message shared on social media platform X, Modi praised the northeastern state for its vibrant traditions and scenic landscapes, which have earned admiration across the nation. “I convey my heartfelt greetings to the people of Meghalaya on their Statehood Day. The people of Meghalaya have made strong contributions to the development of our nation. The state's cult...

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday extended warm greetings to the people of Meghalaya, Tripura and Manipur on the occasion of their Statehood Day, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and valuable contributions of the three northeastern states to the nation. In a social media post, the President said the states are blessed with a vibrant cultural legacy, diverse traditions and exceptional natural beauty. She noted that the enterprising and talented people of Meghalaya, Tripura and Manipur have played a significant role in India’s progress and development, and wished the residents a future marked by peace, prosperity and harmony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his greetings to the people of the three states through separate social media messages. Extending his wishes t...

The Meghalaya government inaugurated the Counterinsurgency and Anti-Terrorism (CIAT) School and the Integrated Police Welfare Complex in Baghmara, South Garo Hills, enhancing the state’s internal security infrastructure. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong attended the ceremony, underscoring the facility's importance in a historically underdeveloped district noted as one of India's poorest. The CIAT School aims to strengthen policing capacity and promote regional development, providing facilities like a hospital, dispensary, officers’ mess, training centre, sports complex, and recreational centre. While some components are already operational, others like the sports complex will be completed later. Initiated in February 2022 under the leadership of D...

Voice of People’s Party (VPP) has criticized the modified version of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) as 'misleading', emphasizing that the Meghalaya Residents’ Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) and the Immigrants and Foreigners’ Act (I&FA) should not be equated with the ILP. The MDA Government intends to engage stakeholders, including political parties and civil society organizations (CSOs), in discussions regarding a proposal for an ILP-like provision in the proposed Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, which seeks to tackle issues of influx and illegal immigration. VPP leader Ardent M Basaiawmoit highlighted the fundamental differences among these laws, stating that the ILP acts as a regulatory mechanism prior to a person's entry into the state, while MRSSA pertains to after individuals h...