Meghalaya

A Khasi film backed by Hello Meghalaya has claimed top international prizes, cementing the Northeast's place on the world cinema stage. Ha Lyngkha Bneng, directed by Pradip Kurbah, held a grand premiere at Kelvin Gold Cinema in Guwahati. The event drew filmmakers and cultural figures from across the region, backed by Hello Meghalaya, the state's OTT platform that funds and promotes local stories. Ha Lyngkha Bneng, directed by Pradip Kurbah, held a grand premiere at Kelvin Gold Cinema in Guwahati. The event drew filmmakers and cultural figures from across the region, backed by Hello Meghalaya, the state's OTT platform that funds and promotes local stories. Kurbah's film follows six people in rural Meghalaya, delving into their desires, ties, and shifting bonds through a raw Khasi viewpo...

The Meghalaya High Court has asked the state government and other concerned authorities to submit detailed status reports on the measures taken to tackle drug abuse and strengthen rehabilitation mechanisms for addicts. The High Court issued the direction during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Mewaker Lyngdoh. The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh asked all respondents to place reports before the court on the implementation of steps aimed at addressing the growing drug menace. During the hearing, Additional Advocate General Khalid Khan informed the court that the Chief Secretary had constituted a Monitoring Committee on December 16, 2025. The committee was constituted in compliance with an earlier ord...

Two Bangladeshis were arrested in Meghalaya's West Jaintia Hills district for entering Indian territory without any valid travel documents, police said on Monday. The two Bangladeshis have been identified as Monirul Biswas and Lovely Khatun, both residents of Bhombag village in Narail district under Khulna division of Bangladesh, they said. They were intercepted at around 8.30 pm from a vehicle by personnel from Dawki police station. Police also detained a vehicle bearing registration number ML 05AG 7472 (S-Presso), along with the driver identified as Pynshaibha Khaii, a resident of Wahsarang village in East Jaintia Hills district. According to police sources, a case has been registered at Dawki Police Station vide Case No. 5(3)2026 under Sections 21/19(1)/24 of the Immigration and ...

Former MDC and Phulbari MLA S.G. Esmatur Mominin has questioned the legality of making Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates mandatory for candidates filing nominations for District Council elections. Mominin said the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution clearly defines the composition of Autonomous District Councils. According to him, a District Council has 30 members — 29 elected through adult suffrage and one nominated by the Governor. He said adult suffrage means any registered voter above 18 years of age who is otherwise qualified can contest elections. “There is no provision under the Sixth Schedule that reserves the elected seats or makes ST certificates compulsory for contesting,” he said. Mominin added that any such change can only be made through a constitutional amendment by the C...

Meghalaya's Revenue and Disaster Management Department is under examination following an audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which revealed that Rs 1.07 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) was misallocated to provide compensation to victims of illegal coal mining, violating established guidelines. This issue was highlighted in the 2023 audit report submitted to the Assembly on February 27. It details the allocation of funds made in July 2019, comprising Rs 16.50 lakh distributed to 14 deceased individuals and five injured victims from Mengkulgittim in Rongsa Awe village in South Garo Hills. Additionally, Rs 90 lakh was paid to families of 18 individuals who lost their lives in the Ksan coal mines in East Jaintia Hills, with each receiving Rs 5 lakh. The C...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced plans for high-end tourism infrastructure aimed at transforming the state into a significant cultural and experiential destination while boosting employment and the local economy. The highlight is the Monolith Towers, set to rise 123 meters in New Shillong's Mawkhanu area, making them the country's second tallest structure after the Statue of Unity. These towers will serve as a modern tourist hub, featuring elevators, restaurants, and a circular glass walkway for panoramic views. Advanced lighting technology will enhance the visitor experience with nightly laser shows that narrate Meghalaya's stories and culture. The Monolith Tower Complex, designed by INI Design Studio, spans approximately 213.8 acres, blending tourism, culture, ...

Meghalaya Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang has stated that the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) is increasingly turning to social media platforms to recruit new members, allegedly luring youth with promises of high salaries and opportunities for community service. Her remarks come in the wake of the recent surrender of HNLC area commander Samuel Wahlang Pahsyntiew. During interrogation, it was revealed that prospective recruits are typically asked to submit their EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) details prior to induction into the outfit. The DGP further informed that two individuals, identified as Banjop and Donbok, were recently arrested from Umsning for their alleged involvement with the group. She noted that most recruitment efforts appear t...

The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) has implemented a new mandate requiring all candidates contesting in district council elections to provide a valid Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate as proof of tribal status. This decision, adopted by the GHADC Executive Committee on February 9 and made public on February 17, stipulates that candidates in general or by-elections must submit this ST certificate, issued by the Meghalaya government, alongside their nomination papers. The GHADC emphasizes that failing to present the required certificate will be considered a “defect of substantial character,” potentially leading to the rejection of the nomination. This mandate is effective immediately and applies to all future elections within the council's jurisdiction. Additionally, the A.ch...

On Sunday, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, visited the Catholic Cemetery in Tura to pray and dedicate a prayer to the late P. A. Sangma, a former Lok Sabha Speaker and Chief Minister. Girelli's visit marks the first time a Vatican Ambassador has come to the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya. Accompanied by the Bishop of Tura and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, the Archbishop was warmly welcomed by Sangma, who expressed gratitude for Girelli's presence, referring to it as a blessing for the people of Meghalaya. Sangma highlighted the pastoral guidance and joy brought by Girelli's visit, which took place during his two-day stay in the region.

The Voice of the People Party (VPP) is setting its sights on Garo Hills, with the aim of unseating the National People's Party (NPP) in the 2028 elections. "Obviously that is an open secret. Even if I don't say it, the people are forecasting that the fight in 2028 will be between VPP and NPP," said VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit told reporters on Friday. "As of now, there's a perception that VPP will do better in Khasi and Jaintia Hills, and NPP in Garo Hills. But I am telling you, it will be a different situation altogether once we enter the electioneering year." When asked if the party would approach former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma to lead the charge in Garo Hills, Basaiawmoit was dismissive. "We don't believe in that kind of simple politics," he said. "Our political c...