Shillong Archives - Meghalaya Today

23Jul

By Purbalee DuttaNo Comments

News, Shillong

SMB Evicts Illegal Hawkers From PB

Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) officials conducted a verification and eviction drive on Tuesday in the Khyndai Lad area following a Meghalaya High Court order. During the operation, goods were seized, and stalls of street vendors without valid certificates of vending (CoVs) were dismantled. SMB instructed all hawkers lacking valid CoVs to immediately remove their merchandise, warning that they would no longer be allowed to trade in the area. The inspection included district administration officials, police personnel, and members of the hawkers’ association. Acting on a state government directive, which set a July 22 deadline for unauthorized vendors to vacate, SMB had been verifying vending permits over recent days. According to SMB records, out of 407 hawkers in Khyndai Lad, 285 hold ...

Bomb scare at Shillong’s Polo Bazaar ends with ganja seizure, one held

19Jul

By Sonakshi SarkarNo Comments

Shillong

Bomb scare at Shillong’s Polo Bazaar ends with ganja seizure, one held

Panic swept through Shillong’s crowded Polo Bazaar on Friday afternoon after a black bag, abandoned near a busy section of the market, sparked fears of a possible bomb threat. The bag was spotted around 2 PM, prompting a rapid response from the Bomb Disposal Squad and local police. Security forces cordoned off the area as bomb experts began a cautious examination. The situation remained tense until Nijumu Fithu (24), a resident of Kenouzou Colony in Kohima, Nagaland, arrived at the scene and claimed the bag. Despite his claim, officials followed protocol and proceeded with a thorough inspection. Upon opening the bag, it was found to contain several packets of suspected ganja, dispelling initial fears of explosives. The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) was immediately informed and ha...

Birendra Thapa is new head coach of Shillong Lajong FC

19Jul

By MohiniNo Comments

Shillong

Birendra Thapa is new head coach of Shillong Lajong FC

Ahead of the upcoming I-League season, Lajong FC appointed former player and long-time club associate Birendra Thapa as the club's new head coach. Popularly known as Coach Biru, Thapa brings with him nearly two decades of experience, having been associated with the club since 2001 in multiple roles, including player, team manager, and assistant coach. Thapa played for the club from 2001 to 2009 and was part of the historic squad that qualified for the 2009-10 I-League season. After retiring from professional football, Thapa served as the team manager and assistant coach for ten years until 2019. From 2020 to 2024, he gained valuable coaching experience at the national level as an assistant coach with Mohammedan Sporting Club and Sreenidi Deccan. In 2024, he returned to Shillon...

Shillong earns ‘Promising Swachh Shehar’ recognition at national cleanliness awards

18Jul

By MohiniNo Comments

Shillong

Shillong earns ‘Promising Swachh Shehar’ recognition at national cleanliness awards

Shillong has been recognised as a 'Promising Swachh Shehar of State/UT' at the prestigious Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards ceremony, marking a significant achievement for the northeastern city's sanitation and waste management efforts. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the award at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, during a ceremony that honoured 43 cities and organisations nationwide for their contributions to urban cleanliness. Shillong was among 34 cities across different states and union territories selected for the 'Promising Swachh Shehar' distinction, based on their demonstrated improvements in sanitation, waste management, and citizen participation. The selection follows the 'One City, One Award' principle, recognising top-performing cities from each state. The award ceremony, org...

BSF Personnel Sensitised On Human-Elephant Interaction In SWKH

5Jul

By Purbalee DuttaNo Comments

Animal, northeast, Shillong

BSF Personnel Sensitised On Human-Elephant Interaction In SWKH

The Meghalaya Forest Department recently conducted an outreach programme for the 193rd BSF Battalion at Ranikor, Gumaghat BOP on the Indo-Bangladesh border in South-West Khasi Hills. The session aimed to educate BSF personnel on handling wild elephant encounters and raise awareness about wildlife crimes and trafficking in the region. Experts from Aaranyak, including Dr. Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, Abhijit Baruah, and Dr. Jimmy Borah, shared insights on elephant behaviour and wildlife crime trends. Forest Officer Sankupar Kharsyntiew discussed plans for joint patrolling to manage elephant movements. Around 33 BSF personnel attended the event, held under the supervision of Inspector Shravan Kumar and Beat Officer Joseph Sawkmie. The initiative highlights the importance of equipping security forc...

Evi tipn drive continues in Police Bazar amid resistance from unlicensed street vendors

2Jul

By MohiniNo Comments

Shillong

Evi tipn drive continues in Police Bazar amid resistance from unlicensed street vendors

The standoff between vendors and municipal authorities entered its third day on Wednesday, as SMB officials intensified their inspection drive. The Board has been verifying documents and insisting that all vendors update their CoVs or face removal. Those found operating without treat a license have been asked to vacate immediately. SMB has set a final deadline of July 22 for all vendors to shift to designated vending zones prepared by the government. Authorities have warned that failure to comply will result in stricter action.

SMB, police resume eviction drive at Khyndai Lad

1Jul

By MohiniNo Comments

Shillong

SMB, police resume eviction drive at Khyndai Lad

Officials from the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB), accompanied by police personnel, resumed their eviction drive against street vendors in the Khyndai Lad area on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. The inspection was part of ongoing efforts to curb encroachment on public footpaths and streets, which authorities say has severely obstructed pedestrian movement. Several vendors were seen resisting the eviction, leading to tense exchanges between municipal staff and the hawkers. The SMB stated that the operation is being conducted in accordance with municipal regulations and reiterated that designated vending zones have been provided for licensed vendors. Officials warned that non-compliance could result in confiscation of goods and cancellation of vending certificates.The Board also reminded that ...

Heavy vehicles banned on Demseiniong route in Shillong

28Jun

By MohiniNo Comments

Shillong

Heavy vehicles banned on Demseiniong route in Shillong

The District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills on Friday issued an order invoking Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), prohibiting the movement of heavy-loaded vehicles, including Night Super buses, along the Demseiniong locality (Macabe Road). The order was issued following reports that heavy-loaded vehicles were plying through the area, despite the road not being suited for such traffic. "Anyone found violating this order will be liable for legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other relevant provisions of the law. Due to the urgency and nature of the matter, the order is being issued ex parte and shall come into immediate effect, remaining in force until further notice," the District Magistrate stated. According to the order, M...

Shillong Municipal Board cracks down on encroachment by shos in Police Bazar

28Jun

By MohiniNo Comments

Shillong

Shillong Municipal Board cracks down on encroachment by shos in Police Bazar

The Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) has issued a stern warning to shop owners and commercial establishments in the city against displaying goods and wares outside their premises, terming it a direct violation of municipal regulations and an encroachment on public pathways and roads. In an official notice released this week, the SMB stated that such practices are in clear breach of the terms and conditions outlined under the Shillong Municipal Bye-Law 136, framed under the Meghalaya Municipal Act, 1973 (as amended). The unauthorised use of public spaces, the board said, is not only illegal but is also causing inconvenience to the general public. The SMB has directed all shops and business establishments to immediately stop displaying goods outside their designated premises. The board war...

Private Vehicle from Assam Seized for Illegal Tourist Transport in Sohra

26Jun

By MohiniNo Comments

Shillong

Private Vehicle from Assam Seized for Illegal Tourist Transport in Sohra

The Enforcement team of the District Transport Office (DTO), East Khasi Hills, seized a privately registered vehicle from Assam (AS01 FM 1998) on suspicion of illegal commercial operations in Sohra. The vehicle, which was caught ferrying tourists, was apprehended during a surprise inspection led by Officer G. Momin of the DTO. The inspection was carried out in the popular tourist belt of Sohra, where the vehicle was actively engaged in passenger transport despite being privately registered. According to transport officials, the car had long been under surveillance for suspected misuse. As per motor vehicle regulations, only vehicles registered for commercial use are allowed to carry passengers for hire, while private vehicles are strictly prohibited from such operations.