Meghalaya

In an aggressive move to combat illegal coal mining, police in East Jaintia Hills have arrested 14 individuals, among whom are seven directly associated with the devastating explosion on February 5, 2026, at an illegal coal mine in Mynsngat-Thangsko that resulted in the deaths of 31 people. This action is part of a focused 45-day crackdown initiated on January 1, 2026, following instructions from the National Green Tribunal, particularly intensified after the explosion underscored the grave dangers of unregulated rat-hole mining. The apprehended suspects relevant to the fatal incident include Forme Chyrmang, Shamehi War, Process Phawa, Tensing Suchiang, Yoomiki Syih, Ernest Swer, and Rangsing Syiemlieh (also known as Mithun). While Ernest Swer and Rangsing Syiemlieh remain in police custo...

The National Hynniewtrep People Federation (NHPF) has decided to submit a constitutional appeal seeking the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya. The representation will be addressed to Congress President Rahul Gandhi through the Member of Parliament representing the Voice of the People Party. In a press synopsis, the organisation cited the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, as the statutory basis for the ILP, stating that it empowers the government to regulate the entry, stay and movement of non-residents in protected tribal areas. It also referred to constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, as well as Articles 244, 275, 19(5), and 371 of the Constitution of India. It maintained that the ILP is a regulatory mechanism that does not affect lawf...

The spotlight remained firmly on the Centre’s fiscal roadmap as senior BJP leaders addressed the media in Meghalaya’s capital, describing the Union Budget 2026 as “transformational” and growth-driven for the North-East. Devesh Kumar, MLC from Bihar and Convenor of the Budget Publicity Campaign for the North-East, along with Shazia Ilmi, National Spokesperson of the BJP, held a press conference at 2 pm at the BJP State Office on Bivar Road in Shillong. During the briefing, the leaders highlighted key features of the Union Budget 2026, including a strong push for infrastructure expansion in the North-East and enhanced capital expenditure on roads, railways and digital connectivity. They emphasised fresh incentives for start-ups and MSMEs, stating that the measures would encourage entrepr...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday inaugurated the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Samanda, Rikwarenggre in East Garo Hills district, marking the commencement of the institution’s academic session.The programme was attended by Marcuise N. Marak, Minister of Housing, PHE Department and Soil and Water Conservation Department, and other dignitaries.The programme began with registration of participants, including EMRS students, parents and local leaders. The Chief Minister and the dignitaries were ceremonially escorted by the Wangala troupe, followed by the unveiling of the commemorative plaque.In his address, the Chief Minister described the inauguration as a memorable and gratifying occasion that marked another important addition to the state’s education infrastr...

The Office of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in West Khasi Hills District organized a rally at Pariong village on Friday, accompanied by an awareness program at Pariong Presbyterian Higher Secondary School. This initiative aimed to raise public awareness against child marriage and to educate the community about legal protections and support mechanisms available for children. The event saw active participation from teachers and numerous school students, who rallied with placards and slogans opposing child marriage. Following the rally, a brief awareness session was conducted at the school, featuring legal experts such as L. Nongrem and D.D. Diengdoh from the ALADC, along with P. Marwein from the Office of the DCPO. They addressed attendees on the detrimental effects of child ...

The Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi on Friday advised its citizens to exercise caution before accepting overseas employment, days after nine Nepali nationals were killed in a coal mine explosion in Meghalaya. A total of 31 people lost their lives in the February 5 blast at an allegedly illegal rat-hole coal mine in the Thangskai area of East Jaintia Hills district. Several of the victims were migrant workers, including nine from Nepal, while seven other Nepali nationals were injured and are currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital. Expressing its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the embassy said it prayed for the eternal peace of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery. It added that the mission is in constant coordination with India’s Ministry of Extern...

The State Council of Science, Technology and Environment (SCSTE), Meghalaya, has invited applications for short-term science and technology projects that aim to address real problems faced by communities across the state. The initiative is designed to encourage practical ideas that can create direct social and economic benefits for people in both rural and urban areas.The call for proposals has been announced through the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi district under the theme “Science and Technology for Socio-Economic Benefit in Meghalaya.” Officials said the programme focuses on projects that can be completed within six months and that clearly show measurable results at the community level. The emphasis is on workable solutions rather than purely academic or theoretical res...

The Meghalaya Police have set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the coal mine explosion that claimed the lives of more than 30 workers in East Jaintia Hills district. The decision was taken following directions from the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) Idashisha Nongrang, who ordered a detailed and time-bound probe to uncover the exact cause of the incident and identify those responsible. According to official orders issued on February 13, the SIT has been formed to conduct a fair, impartial and speedy investigation into the accident that occurred at an illegal coal mine located at Mynsngat-Thangsko near Khliehriat. The nine-member investigation team will be led by Deputy Inspector General of Police (Eastern Range) Vivekanand S. Rathore. The team has been tas...

The Shillong Sports Association’s football season will begin on 2nd May with the U-20 Fourth Division, according to the SSA’s calendar, with the Shillong Premier League set to take place from July and Champions Cup from October. All local clubs have to apply or renew their affiliation with the SSA by the end of February. After that, the inter-club transfer will take place in March. Following the start of the U-20 Fourth Division comes the Third Division (2nd June), Second Division (25th June) and SPL (20th July). Like last year, the First Division will begin after the SPL, sometime in the last week of August. The SSA Super Cup (for the top six SPL teams) isn’t mentioned in the calendar this year but the Champions Cup (which brings together the top teams from all of the SSA’s men’s leag...

The Office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Amlarem Sub-Division, in coordination with the Amlarem Sub-Divisional Sports Association (ASSA), will organise the Amlarem Golden Jubilee Marathon 2026 on March 7 to mark 50 years of the Amlarem Sub-Division. The marathon will be conducted in two categories. The Senior Boys (16 years and above) will compete in a 10-kilometre race starting from Pdengshakap, while the Senior Girls (16 years and above) will participate in a revised 7-kilometre race beginning at Amtasam. Both races will culminate at the Office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Amlarem. Participants are required to report at their respective starting points at 5:00 AM sharp. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category, with Rs 10,000 for f...