Meghalaya

The Ri-Bhoi Tourism and Environmental Development Forum is set to host the Ñiangtaser Festival, a cultural event focused on the unique insect found in the Ri-Bhoi region, which is colloquially referred to as the “World Cup insect” due to its emergence every four years coinciding with the FIFA World Cup. The festival is scheduled for April 8 and 9, 2026, at Ïewsier, close to the Nongkhyllem forest area, and is being organized in partnership with the Dorbar Shnong of Saiden. Chairman Plielad Tiewsoh announced the festival will feature a range of entertaining cultural activities, including traditional dance and folk song competitions attracting participants from various regions, along with a fashion show. Furthermore, a two-day football tournament will take place at the Saiden Playground,...

East Khasi Hills Police has arrested four individuals linked to a series of two-wheeler thefts, uncovering an organised network involved in dismantling and trafficking stolen vehicles.The arrests followed the earlier apprehension of 23-year-old Shabamutlang Syiemlieh, who was wanted for a bike theft reported from Golf Links on March 2. The four suspects-identified as Vencentstar Tongwah (23), Kitborlang Mawlong (21), Royalroy Lyngdoh (23), and Ayan Kharthangmaw (21)—are linked to multiple cases registered at Laitumkhrah and Sadar police stations. They were initially apprehended by Jowai police before being handed over to East Khasi Hills investigators. East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem stated that during interrogation, the accused admitted to stealing several vehicl...

A powerful storm accompanied by heavy rainfall has caused extensive destruction in the Ri-Bhoi district, impacting thousands of residents and leaving significant damage to homes and infrastructure.According to officials, the storm struck late Monday night, severely affecting villages under the Umling and Jirang blocks. Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal confirmed that at least 1,028 houses have been damaged, while more than 5,000 people have been affected by the calamity.The intensity of the storm uprooted trees, damaged rooftops, and disrupted essential services. Several areas reported power outages, further complicating the situation for residents already dealing with the aftermath of the disaster.Authorities indicated that the scale of destruction could rise, as reports from some re...

Ri-Bhoi district in Meghalaya recorded widespread damage after a powerful storm accompanied by heavy rain struck on Monday night, March 17. Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal said the worst-hit areas were villages under Umling and Jirang blocks. Preliminary reports indicate that at least 1,028 houses have been damaged, while more than 5,000 people have been affected. The figure may increase as assessments from several areas are still pending.The storm also caused losses to livestock and standing crops, compounding the impact on rural households. Power supply was disrupted in multiple parts of the district following the severe weather. No fatalities or injuries have been reported so far, officials confirmed.The district administration has initiated relief measures, distributing fo...

The Jaintia National Council (JNC), under its “Save Jaiñtia Mission 2024,” today formally submitted a memorandum to Rikman Momin, President of the Bharatiya Janata Party Meghalaya State Unit, urging immediate intervention for the formulation and implementation of a "Small-Scale Scientific Coal Mining Policy" tailored to the unique conditions of Meghalaya. This memorandum comes in the backdrop of recent developments where the Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has effectively shifted the responsibility of resolving the coal mining policy issue to the Central Government. In light of this, the JNC has approached the BJP, which leads the Government of India, to take decisive policy action on this pressing matter affecting thousands of livelihoods in the Jaiñtia Hills region. The JNC has specific...

The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Meghalaya to ensure only legitimate citizens can vote. CoMSO chairman Roy Kupar Synrem's memorandum highlights concerns about illegal immigration in this sensitive border state, which shares an international boundary with Bangladesh. He asserts that the inclusion of non-citizens in electoral rolls threatens democratic integrity and the rule of law. In a tribal-majority state, such issues could severely impact the political rights and identity of indigenous communities. Synrem emphasized the need for a transparent and comprehensive verification process to address public apprehen...

Meghalaya’s rich cultural landscape—from indigenous festivals to traditional food and crafts—is now part of a nationwide digital archive, with 7,012 villages in the state mapped under the “Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar” (MGMD) programme. The initiative, a key component of the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM) under the Union Ministry of Culture, has so far documented cultural data from over 6.23 lakh villages across India, creating one of the largest repositories of grassroots heritage. Implemented by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, the mission aims to preserve India’s diverse cultural identity while exploring its potential to support rural livelihoods. Through the MGMD portal, villages across Meghalaya are being profiled with detailed cultural portfolios. These ...

The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved a six-month extension of the term of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), ensuring the continuation of the council’s functioning beyond its scheduled tenure. Following detailed deliberations, the Cabinet decided to extend the council’s term from April 18, 2026, to October 18, 2026. The move is aimed at maintaining administrative continuity in the region. Meanwhile, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, Albinush R. Marak, resigned on March 16, hours before a scheduled no-confidence motion against him in the council. Marak submitted his resignation letter to the Chairman of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) ahead of the meeting fixed for 11 am, stating that he was stepping down “on mo...

Dhormonath Ch. Sangma has been elected as the new Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) following the resignation of Albinush R. Marak. Marak's resignation came just hours before a special session intended to address a no-confidence motion against him, which was supported by a coalition of 21 Members of the District Council (MDCs) who claimed that he had lost majority support. The special session, now focusing on the formation of a new Executive Committee, follows this leadership transition. In a related development amidst increasing unrest in Garo Hills, particularly concerning the involvement of non-tribal individuals in tribal council elections, the Meghalaya Cabinet has decided to extend the tenure of the GHADC by an additional six month...

Former member of Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) from the Balachanda constituency, Sofiur Rehman, was arrested from his home at Bhaitbari area under Rajabala Police Station on charges of inciting communal disharmony in Garo Hills during the recent violence that left two persons dead. SP of West Garo Hills Abraham T Sangma said the arrest was made based on the various social media posts of Rehman, which were widely shared and led to incitement of violence in the Garo Hills region between Mar 9-11. Violence erupted in Tura and adjoining areas after the GHADC issued a notification barring non-tribals from participating in the council elections, triggering a protest by them. Protesters clashed with security forces, several government and private properties were vandalised or se...