Wednesday, December 31

Shillong

New Government Model Degree College Approved for Meghalaya Under PM-USHA
Shillong

New Government Model Degree College Approved for Meghalaya Under PM-USHA

The Central Government has allocated funding through the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan) scheme for establishing a Government Model Degree College in Mawthengkut village, situated in the West Khasi Hills District. This development aims to benefit students from Mawshynrut and surrounding areas, including Rambrai-Jyrngam. Meghalaya has received confirmation for the establishment of two colleges, one in Mawshynrut and another in Jalaphet, located in the East Jaintia Hills District. Cabinet Minister and Mawshynrut MLA Methodius Dkhar, along with engineers and local leaders, conducted an inspection of the site designated for the college and hostel facilities, which are estimated to have a total cost of approximately Rs 15 crore. In a media ...
Police Arrest 2 Persons In East Jaintia Hills Blast Case
Meghalaya, Shillong

Police Arrest 2 Persons In East Jaintia Hills Blast Case

Meghalaya police have arrested two men in connection with an improvised explosive device attack that damaged a water tanker truck at a construction company near Shymplong village in East Jaintia Hills district on December 15. The arrests were based on an FIR registered at Lumshnong Police Station on December 16. Forensic analysis confirmed the use of an IED, though no injuries or casualties were reported in the incident. Police seized explosives and arms, linking the plot to a member of the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC). The arrested persons – Richard Suchen, 31, and Pynshaitbor Syih, 45, both residents of Shymplong village, have been charged under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Explosive Substances Act. Superintendent of Police Vikash ...
Scheduled Power Cuts in Shillong, Tura as RDSS Implementation Moves Ahead
Shillong

Scheduled Power Cuts in Shillong, Tura as RDSS Implementation Moves Ahead

A regulated electrical shutdown is currently being implemented in Shillong and Tura, as the Meghalaya government takes steps to minimize inconvenience for its citizens. This shutdown is integral to the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), a significant initiative designed to enhance the power infrastructure across the state. The RDSS encompasses the installation of around 2,600 new transformers, the replacement of approximately 3,800 kilometers of outdated wires, and the installation of 4,300 kilometers of new power lines. This ambitious project, with an estimated value of Rs 900 crore, aims to provide a more stable and reliable electricity supply for the people of Meghalaya. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has reassured the public that efforts are being made to reduce disruptions ...
Shillong water supply to remain suspended for four days
Shillong

Shillong water supply to remain suspended for four days

Ahead of the festive season, the PHE Department has announced yet another suspension of water supply in the city. The Executive Engineer (PHE) Greater Shillong Water Supply informed that the water supply will remain suspended for four days from December 10-13 for emergency repair work due to bursting of GSWSS water supply pipeline under Division-1 at 101 Area. The areas affected include the whole of Shillong, except Laban, Lumparing, Nongthymmai, and Laitumkhrah. The notice said every effort is being made to complete the repair work for restoration of normal water supply at the earliest.
Fourth Tri Hills Ensemble Showcases Meghalaya’s Culture, Craft And Cuisine
Shillong

Fourth Tri Hills Ensemble Showcases Meghalaya’s Culture, Craft And Cuisine

The fourth edition of the Tri Hills Ensemble, a festival to celebrate the craft, culture and cuisine of the Khasis, Jaintias and Garos, was inaugurated at Ward’s Lake in Shillong on Wednesday. The edition places special focus on reviving traditional boating activities in Darrang and Dawki. The programme opened with the felicitation of dignitaries and a symbolic handing over of oars to boatmen, underscoring renewed efforts to promote indigenous water sports. Gracing the festival as chief guest, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma commended the Department of Arts and Culture for creating a festival that “brings the people of the state back to their roots, highlighting different aspects of the state’sculture, showcasing them to the world, and ensuring that the identity and legacy of th...
Ksu Warns Against Any Move To Bring Railways To Khasi, Jaintia Hills
Shillong

Ksu Warns Against Any Move To Bring Railways To Khasi, Jaintia Hills

The Khasi Students’ Union’s (KSU) West Jaintia Hills District Unit has warned the Meghalaya government against the proposed railway project in Khasi Hills or future extension of tracks to Jaintia Hills, stating that railway connectivity would accelerate demographic changes and threaten the survival of indigenous Hynniewtrep communities. The student union’s warning comes in the wake of reports of a plan by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to conduct preliminary survey for the proposed 135-km Chaparmukh-Jowai new broad-gauge line as early as 2026. “KSU has never compromised on the issue of railways from the very outset in 2008-09 till today. If the government forcibly tries to bring railways to Jaintia Hills, we will have no option but to physically defend our land and our future gen...
Meghalaya tells High Court two illegal coke plants razed; 15 more to be demolished by Dec 15
Shillong

Meghalaya tells High Court two illegal coke plants razed; 15 more to be demolished by Dec 15

The Meghalaya government reported to the High Court that two illegal coke oven plants, which breached siting norms set by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), have been demolished, with plans to dismantle the remaining 15 by December 15. This update came during a hearing regarding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) addressing illegal coal mining and transportation in the state. The MSPCB is scheduled to carry out inspections quarterly, with consolidation of findings to follow. Additionally, the government is awaiting approval for the shifting and auctioning of 3,039.92 MT of coal located in Nongjri, while investigations continue into 920.73 MT of missing coal. An aerial survey by Garuda in South West Khasi Hills identified 37 coal dump sites; 28 have undergone physical ...
HC Seeks Detailed Heritage Report as Activist Moves to Save Shillong’s Bidhan Bhavan and Other Historic Sites
Shillong

HC Seeks Detailed Heritage Report as Activist Moves to Save Shillong’s Bidhan Bhavan and Other Historic Sites

The Meghalaya High Court has directed the State Heritage Committee to submit a comprehensive report identifying all buildings, artefacts, structures and other elements covered under Section 3 of the Meghalaya Heritage Act, 2012. The Committee have also been asked to outline the steps taken so far for their restoration and preservation. The directive was issued by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice H.S. Thangkhiew while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the proposed demolition of Bidhan Bhavan, also known as Roy Villa, which currently functions as a State Circuit House.During the hearing, the Advocate General sought additional time to file a detailed affidavit after reviewing official records relating to the history of Bidhan Bhavan ...
Shillong Lajong-Nongkseh SSA match ends in draw
Shillong

Shillong Lajong-Nongkseh SSA match ends in draw

Shillong Lajong halted Nongkseh’s imposing 11-match winning streak with a 1-1 draw in a high-stakes SSA Champions Cup Group B fixture that delivered major implications for the knockout stage. The point proved decisive for Nongkseh, securing their passage to the semi-finals, while Lajong — already qualified — extended their own unbeaten run across competitions to 15 matches. The result also marked the first time either side conceded in this year’s tournament. The point proved decisive for Nongkseh, securing their passage to the semi-finals, while Lajong — already qualified — extended their own unbeaten run across competitions to 15 matches. The result also marked the first time either side conceded in this year’s tournament. Nongkseh struck first through Kynsaibor Lhuid in the 67th minu...
Panel Highlights Police’s Failure To Detect Illegal Coal Mine In East Jaintia Hills
Shillong

Panel Highlights Police’s Failure To Detect Illegal Coal Mine In East Jaintia Hills

An interim report of the Justice (retired) B.P. Katakey-led committee has highlighted a major failure in ground-level policing in East Jaintia Hills, stating that officers of Umpleng Outpost under Khliehriat Police Station failed to detect an operational illegal coal mine in Lumbangla village.The lapses, the panel report stated, had occurred despite the site having reinforced cement concrete boundaries along with cranes, tools and 2,112 MT of illegally mined coal dumped nearby. The findings came after a complaint was lodged by Mawlai MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang on November 19, 2025. The complaint was supported by video clips showing active mining. Marbaniang informed the committee that despite complaints lodged by the Dorbar Shnong Lumbangla with the Superintendent of Police (SP) on Aug...