Meghalaya

The Khasi Students' Union (KSU) hold a sit-in protest on Monday at Police Bazar (Khyndai Lad), in front of the old Assembly building, as part of a larger campaign led by the North East Students' Organisation (NESO). NESO chairman Samuel Jyrwa stated that the protest is aimed at pressuring both state governments and the Centre to take urgent and effective action against the long-standing issue of illegal immigration in the region, particularly from Bangladesh. He pointed out that illegal infiltration has been a persistent problem since India's independence and has led to unrest and mass movements in states like Assam and Meghalaya. Jyrwa stressed that the situation can no longer be ignored and called for strong measures to address the issue. KSU general secretary Donald V. Thabah echoed...

Meghalaya's Anti-Narcotics Task Force dealt a significant blow to inter-state drug trafficking networks on Sunday, seizing heroin worth Rs 4.4 crore and arresting four suspects in coordinated operations across East Jaintia Hills district. The breakthrough came after intelligence reports on August 16 identified vehicles transporting narcotics from Churachandpur in Manipur to Shillong. Acting swiftly, joint teams of ANTF and district police established checkpoints at strategic locations along the trafficking route. The larger operation unfolded at Umkiang Police Patrol Post around 11:00 am, where officers intercepted a Maruti Suzuki S-Presso. A thorough search conducted in the presence of independent witnesses yielded four travel bags containing 961.33 grams of heroin packaged in 80 soap...

The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) on Sunday reignited the debate over the constitutional recognition of Khasi and Jaiñtia rights by hoisting the Khasi State flag at Lum Shillong. The symbolic act coincided with the 77th anniversary of the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement signed on August 17, 1948, between the Khasi states and the Union of India. HITO, a socio-political body formed in 2021, marked the day by submitting a memorandum to Meghalaya Governor C. H. Vijayashankar, urging his direct intervention to ensure that long-pending directives of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) are acted upon. The NCST, in its recommendations issued in April 2012 and again in late 2014, had stressed that treaty agreements signed by Khasi states sh...

The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) today hoisted the Khasi State flag at Lum Shillong, renewing its demand for the government of Meghalaya to act on long-pending directives from the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). The NCST, in its directives of April 2012 and October–November 2014, had called for the incorporation of treaty agreements between the Khasi states and the Union of India into the Constitution as a special Article, to safeguard the rights of the Khasi and Jaiñtia people. Marking the anniversary of the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement signed on August 17, 1948, HITO also submitted a memorandum to Governor C. H. Vijayashankar, urging his intervention. The organization reminded that the agreement, signed by then Governor-Gene...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Sunday congratulated two footballers from the state for making it to the 23-member Indian squad for the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-17 Women's Championship to be held in Bhutan. The two players are Bonifilia Shullai, a midfielder from Shillong, and Alisha Lyngdoh, a defender from East Jaintia Hills. "I am proud to see the names of two players from Meghalaya in the 23-member Indian National Squad for this year's SAFF U-17 Women's Championship," Sangma said in a post on X. He extended his best wishes to the young footballers. "Let’s cheer for Team India!" he wrote on his official X handle. The SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship will serve as a platform for budding talent across South Asia, and the inclusion of Shullai and Lyngdoh hi...

Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice D. Y. Chandrachud on Friday underlined the responsibility of judges to act not only as interpreters of the law but also as healers of society. Delivering the Independence Day address at the Meghalaya High Court in Shillong, he said that empathy and compassion must guide the judiciary in its relationship with the people. “Sometimes, just giving a citizen a patient hearing is an act of healing,” Justice Chandrachud remarked, stressing that judgments alone cannot resolve the deeper wounds of society. He observed that citizens often approach the courts not merely for legal relief but also for reassurance that justice is alive, accessible, and humane. Reflecting on the spirit of Independence, the former CJI said freedom was not confined to libe...

A vehicle parked near the Pasture Beat House in Lawmali, Shillong, was damaged after unidentified individuals hurled a petrol bomb at it early Friday morning, according to police. The attack occurred around 1:30 am when the vehicle, bearing registration number ML 05 L 3840 and reportedly in use by the Pasture Beat House police, was stationed close to the outpost. Footage from the scene showed fire damage concentrated in the front section, particularly near the driver’s seat. Authorities said the blaze was quickly contained, preventing further destruction. No injuries were reported. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend those responsible. Police have not ruled out any motive and are reviewing surveillance footage from the area.

Meghalaya is on track to achieve its goal of becoming a USD 16 billion economy by 2032 when the state will turn 60, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Friday. Addressing the Independence Day event here, he also said that by 2047, the year marking India's 100th year of independence, Meghalaya aims to be a USD 100 billion economy and among the country’s top 10 states in per capita income state and Sustainable Development Goals. The CM also highlighted progress in law and order, including advancement in the Assam-Meghalaya border settlement, adoption of e-Sakshya, e-FIR, and expansion of forensic capabilities. Meghalaya CM outlines vision for USD 16 billion economy by 2032. Meghalaya aims for USD 100 billion economy by 2047. Infrastructure and tourism developments among key initiatives. ...

The Border Security Force (BSF) has sealed all possible escape routes along the India–Bangladesh border in Meghalaya as part of an intensified manhunt for armed infiltrators who recently carried out a violent cross-border attack in South West Khasi Hills district. The ongoing operation, launched in the Majersora–Hathinala forest belt, is being conducted jointly by BSF troops, Meghalaya Police, and Village Defence Parties. Specialised units, including the K-9 dog squad, have been deployed to track the suspects through the dense border terrain. According to BSF officials, the incident occurred on August 8 when at least eight armed men from Bangladesh crossed into the Bagli sector and stormed Rongdangai village. The intruders allegedly stabbed and injured a civilian, vandalised homes, and at...

The BSF on Wednesday said it has sealed all escape routes along the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya, as a joint operation is underway to track down armed infiltrators who robbed, assaulted and attempted to kidnap a villager in South West Khasi Hills district. The operation, launched in the Majersora-Hathinala forest belt, is being conducted jointly with the Meghalaya Police and members of Village Defence Parties, officials said. The K-9 dog squad has also been deployed, officials said. According to BSF officials, the infiltration took place on August 8 when at least eight armed men from Bangladesh crossed the border in the Bagli sector, stormed Rongdangai village, stabbed and injured a civilian, vandalised property, and tried to abduct a resident. From August 9 to 11, coordinated ...