Meghalaya

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has initiated suo motu proceedings regarding a devastating explosion at an illegal coal mine located in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. This tragic incident, which transpired on February 5, has resulted in a rising death toll of 30 individuals, with reports indicating that many others remain trapped at unknown depths within the mine. The NHRC has expressed concern that, if the allegations reported in the media hold true, there are significant human rights violations affecting the victims. In response, the NHRC has dispatched notices to both the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police in Meghalaya, demanding a comprehensive report on the situation within a two-week timeframe. This report is anticipated to detail ...

A fatal road mishap claimed the life of a 65 year old man after the Jeep he was driving plunged into a gorge at Makoibari village under Mawdiangum in Ri-Bhoi District.The accident occured on Tuesday at around 1:20 pm and the victim has been identified as Rymphangsngi Blah, a resident of Saiden village in Ri-Bhoi District. According to the information, the victim was travelling from Makoibari towards the Mawdiangum main road in his Jeep bearing registration number ML-10-1027. As per reports, the vehicle developed a mechanical problem while en route and in an attempt to regain control, the driver tried to change gears, but lost control of the Jeep, which eventually fell into a deep gorge, leaving him critically injured. Upon receiving information, Nongpoh Traffic Police personnel rush...

The North Eastern Council (NEC) released a total amount of Rs 81.50 crore during January, 2026 across all Northeastern States as well as to various regional and other agencies across the North Eastern Region, reaffirming its commitment to development in the region. During the month, the NEC allocated Rs 5.69 crore for several key projects including, Construction of School Bulding at RKM School, Nongjngi Nartiang, Support of (1.5T) MRI Machine at Tura Civil Hospital, R.K Mission School, Sohra, and infrastructure enhancements at the Williamson Sangma State Museum in Shillong. Under NESIDS (Roads) scheme, Rs 3.91 crore was released to support key road connectivity projects in the state, including the construction of a road from Shillong city to Umroi Airport under Ri-Bhoi district (length...

The Meghalaya government on Tuesday distributed land pattas to settlers of GAD (General Administration Department) land in Nikwatgre, formalising land rights in the Tura Town Area. The programme, organised by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner (Revenue), West Garo Hills, was held at the Nikwatgre Community Hall and attended by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who personally handed over land documents to beneficiaries. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described the event as “a great and satisfying moment,” saying the issuance of land documents was the result of sustained collaboration between the government and residents. He acknowledged that the absence of legal land documents had posed administrative, legal and financial challenges for families in the area. Without p...

Police in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district have made significant progress in the aftermath of a deadly explosion at an illegal coal mine in Thangsko, which has left a death toll of 30. The recent arrest of two coal mine owners, Process Dkhar, believed to be the main owner of the mine, and Tensing Suchiang, highlights ongoing investigations into the incident. Previously arrested individuals, Forme Chyrmang and Shamehi War, have been placed in 14-day judicial custody as the legal process unfolds. As part of the response, the district administration has begun to distribute ex-gratia compensation to the families of the deceased, with eight families already receiving assistance. Efforts to combat illegal coal mining have intensified, as evidenced by the registration of 34 FIRs an...

The Meghalaya government is set to inaugurate several urban development projects after the end of the current financial year, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said on Tuesday. “Infrastructure works, including projects related to schools and other civic facilities, are nearing completion and are expected to be inaugurated in the coming months. The redevelopment of Police Bazar has already been completed and inaugurated,” Dhar said. He further said the Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) project is likely to be ready for inauguration by May or June. “Besides these, several other projects, including water supply schemes and additional infrastructure initiatives, are progressing steadily and have already been reported in the public domain,” he said. On parking infrastructure, the dep...

Under the MLA Connect initiative, a locality visit programme was held within Tura Town on Tuesday to strengthen direct engagement between elected representatives, district administration, and residents. The programme was attended by Chief Minister of Meghalaya and Local MLA of 51–South Tura constituency, Conrad K. Sangma, as the chief guest. West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal and Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma were also present, along with other officials and local residents. During the visit, citizens raised common issues related to road conditions, youth-related concerns, and other local matters. Interactions were held to understand these concerns, which were noted by the district administration and line departments for necessary follow-up and actio...

The Eastern Command Investiture Ceremony 2026, an annual event celebrating exemplary courage, devotion to duty, and distinguished service in the Indian Army, was conducted with solemn pride on 10 February 2026 at Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya. The prestigious ceremony was presided over by Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command. A total of 37 gallantry and distinguished service awards were presented, comprising 19 Sena Medals (Gallantry), 07 Sena Medals (Distinguished), 02 Yudh Seva Medals, 01 Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal, 07 Vishisht Seva Medals, and 01 Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak, in recognition of outstanding acts of valour, leadership, and selfless service. In addition, 49 units and Army Public Sch...

The recent dynamite explosion in the Mynsngat–Thangsko area of Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills has resulted in a rising death toll, now at 30 fatalities, including three injured workers who succumbed to their injuries on Monday. The deceased include Raju Tamang, 34, who died after receiving treatment in Shillong, and two other critically injured workers from Silchar Medical College in Assam. Following the disaster, the district administration has escalated its crackdown on illegal mining activities in the region. Authorities seized large amounts of illegally extracted coal from various areas, including Lumshyrmit–Cham Cham and around Mukhaialong. Additionally, makeshift camps connected to these illegal operations have been dismantled. Legal actions, including FIR registrations, are ...

The Design The Design Innovation Centre (DIC) at NEHU, Shillong, will host a three-day programme titled ‘Innovation, Design Thinking and Entrepreneurship’ from February 19-21. The initiative is designed to support young innovators and promote growth across the education and design sectors. The event will feature workshops, stall exhibitions showcasing start-up innovations, and an Ideation and Innovation Challenge where participants can pitch solutions to real-world problems. Expert speakers and mentors will attend from institutions including SPA Delhi, IIT BHU, IIM Kashipur, IIM Shillong, the University of Rajasthan, and NEHU Tura Campus.Representatives from PRIME Meghalaya and the skill development sector will also lead sessions. College, university, and polytechnic students from acro...