Meghalaya

Meghalaya’s young performers returned with multiple recognitions from the North-East Youth Festival held in Chumoukedima, underlining the State’s growing presence in regional cultural competitions. An 80-member contingent representing various districts competed across categories such as group folk song, folk dance, one-act play, rock band and solo guitar, alongside participating in adventure and food festival segments. The participation reflected a broad mix of traditional and contemporary art forms. A key highlight came from West Khasi Hills, where Pynnehkupar Syiemlieh secured a prize in the solo guitar category. Additional recognition followed in group events, with a Ri Bhoi-based dance troupe receiving a consolation prize in folk dance, while Jowai-based band Unfading Horizons was ...

In 2025, the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) recommended a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the children of a woman who died at the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Hospital in Jowai. An inquiry by the Health and Family Welfare Department, initiated on July 7, 2025, revealed several lapses in the woman's treatment. The MHRC acted on its own initiative after a newspaper reported allegations of negligence by hospital authorities. Secretary L.C. Marak stated that the Commission, upon reviewing the inquiry's findings, determined that the death resulted from medical personnel's failure to exercise due diligence. The final order was issued on March 23, and the recommendation for compensation was sent to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, aimed at supporting the decea...

Anticipation is high for Def Leppard's upcoming India tour, starting in Shillong on March 25 at the RBDSA Sports Complex, featuring the energetic rock band Trance Effect as the opening act. Known for their compelling stage presence and blend of hard rock with contemporary influences, Def Leppard has established a strong identity in India's rock scene, making Trance Effect a fitting opening choice in Shillong, dubbed the rock capital of India. The tour will also showcase notable Indian acts, including Indus Creed in Mumbai on March 27 at Jio World Garden and Thermal And A Quarter in Bengaluru on March 29 at NICE Grounds, building a dynamic lineup of live rock music. This inclusion of local talent marks a significant shift in India's live music landscape, as it allows these bands to perform...

On March 23, in New Delhi, the Government of India announced the nomination of the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2026–27 cycle. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat communicated this information in a written reply during a Lok Sabha session. Additionally, India has put forth a proposal to recognize the Ancient Buddhist Site at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, for the upcoming 2025–26 cycle. These nominations have been forwarded to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for evaluation. The Living Root Bridges, also referred to as Jingkieng Jri, exemplify an extraordinary cultural landscape crafted by local communities residing in one of the planet's wettest regions. They stand as a testament to remarkable human ingenuity, collaborat...

Huge crowds gathered outside the NPP office in Tura, erupting in celebration after Minister Marcuise Marak made a key announcement. The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council has passed amended rules mandating a valid ST certificate to contest council elections. Scenes of jubilation on the ground  slogans, dancing, and firecrackers with supporters calling it a major step to protect tribal representation in the council. Details on rollout and implementation are awaited.

Meghalaya's leader of opposition Mukul Sangma on Saturday urged the state government to institute an independent commission of inquiry into the Garo Hills violence, stating that accountability and due process were essential to restore public confidence. In a petition to Governor CH Vijayashankar, Sangma flagged a "serious law and order situation" in the Garo Hills region, which he said stemmed from a series of developments linked to the elections to the tribal Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC). He said tensions escalated over demands by certain civil society organisations representing the Garo community to bar non-tribals from contesting the GHADC polls, the issuance of a notification by the then chief executive member of the council, and a meeting held in Phulbari area...

Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) has launched its long-awaited academy at Polo Ground, marking a significant step towards strengthening the state’s football structure and nurturing young talent.The initiative coincides with the association’s golden jubilee year. MFA officials said the decision to establish the academy was taken as part of efforts to “prepare the groundwork for the next generation of footballers” and to build on five decades of the sport’s growth in the state. The first batch includes 60 boys, split evenly between the under-12 and under-14 age groups. More than 300 children had appeared for the initial trials, with the final intake selected after a series of assessments. The trainees will work under experienced youth coaches, including Playerson Syiemlieh, Amit Rai,...

Activists from the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, raising concerns over alleged land encroachment and threats to indigenous rights.The demonstration, led by the Nangrimingin A’chik Dol (NAD), brought together multiple organizations and community members who accused unauthorized settlers of occupying tribal land and resources. Protesters claimed that such activities have led to rising tensions and disturbances in the region.Highlighting constitutional protections under the Sixth Schedule, the groups warned that continued encroachment could undermine the legal safeguards granted to Indigenous communities. They also alleged that certain recent conflicts were deliberate attempts to destabilize local populations.The NAD criticized authorities for...

The Meghalaya BJP has strongly rejected claims linking the party and the National People’s Party (NPP) to law-and-order issues in Garo Hills, instead accusing Meghalaya Congress president Vincent H. Pala of misrepresenting facts to protect his party. The party's vice president, Bernard N. Marak, labeled Pala’s assertions as misleading and argued that unrest in Garo Hills stemmed from actions by the Congress party. Marak noted that volatility increased after a Congress candidate filed his nomination amidst local opposition, claiming to have consulted key political figures but omitting mention of Pala and other Congress leaders who supported him. He criticized the Congress leadership for passing blame onto the BJP and NPP while the candidate acted on their behalf. Marak emphasized Pala's ne...

Mukul Sangma, the Leader of the Opposition in Meghalaya, has called for an independent Commission of Inquiry into the unrest and communal tensions in the Garo Hills, attributing the violence to political negligence and a “criminal conspiracy.” In a memorandum to Governor C.H Vijayashankar, he highlighted several triggers fueling the unrest, such as the demand from Garo civil society for restrictions on non-tribals in council elections, a controversial notification from the former Chief Executive Member of the GHADC, and an unlawful meeting held by a former MLA in Phulbari. The situation escalated into clashes resulting in two fatalities, creating a tense atmosphere across the districts. Sangma criticized the state government for its failure to implement preventive measures or respond to e...