Meghalaya

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...

Police in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district have arrested two individuals for allegedly recruiting youths for the banned militant outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and conspiring to prepare an improvised explosive device (IED). Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint team of the Ri-Bhoi District Executive Force (DEF) and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) conducted a raid on February 23 at Pahamlapong in Nongpoh and arrested 35-year-old Benjamin Sohtun. He is accused of using social media platforms to lure and recruit local youths into the HNLC. Police sources said that during interrogation, several incriminating materials were recovered from Sohtun’s possession, pointing to his alleged involvement in extremist activities. Based on disclosures made during question...

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday flagged off 84 new buses, including 55 electric buses inducted under the PM eBus Sewa Scheme, at a function held at the New Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. The event marked the official launch of "Ka Bos Jong Ngi" under the Urban Affairs Department. The buses are fitted with air-conditioning, mobile charging points, real-time tracking systems and e- ticketing facilities to enhance passenger comfort, safety and efficiency. A pilot service began on the IIM Shillong-Upper Shillong route, operating daily from 7 am to 9 pm. The initiative aims to strengthen urban connectivity while offering residents a dependable, comfortable and environment-friendly public transport option. During the programme, seven food carts were handed over to beneficiaries...

Prisons in Meghalaya are set to establish separate enclosures for transgender inmates following the passage of the Meghalaya Prison and Correctional Services Bill, 2026, by the State Assembly. Tabled by Deputy Chief Minister S Dhar, the bill acknowledges the specific needs of transgender prisoners by allowing for distinct prison regimens for both trans men and trans women. Provisions in the legislation include the establishment of separate enclosures, access to appropriate healthcare and psycho-social care services, and participation in correctional programs and activities. An official noted that the law aims to modernize prison administration in Meghalaya, aligning it with contemporary correctional standards while ensuring the safety, dignity, and rehabilitation of all inmates.