Shillong

The Sohra Civil Sub-Division has lifted the prohibitory orders at Weisawdong Falls after rival claimants from Laitduh and Umblai villages reached an amicable settlement, resolving the law and order concerns surrounding the tourist spot. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mark A Challam on Tuesday revoked the order issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, stating there was no longer any imminent apprehension of a breach of peace. The restrictions were originally imposed on July 3 following tensions between the two villages over the popular three-tiered waterfall near Sohra. The decision to lift the order followed a joint meeting convened by the Sohra civil administration with representatives of Laitduh and Umblai. During the meeting, both sides resol...

A suspected bomb scare briefly disrupted normal life at the bustling Police Bazar (Center Point/9-Lad) area on Wednesday afternoon after an unattended bag was spotted abandoned on the roadside, triggering panic among pedestrians and local shopkeepers. The drama unfolded during peak hours when onlookers noticed the suspicious luggage lying unclaimed. Taking no chances, local authorities were alerted immediately. Police personnel quickly arrived at the scene, cordoned off the entire perimeter, and restricted vehicular and pedestrian movement to ensure public safety. A bomb detection squad was deployed to inspect the luggage. Following a thorough screening and inspection by the experts, tension eased as the bag was found to contain only personal belongings and nothing hazardous. ...

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday reviewed the progress of several flagship infrastructure projects in New Shillong, directing executing agencies to maintain quality, ensure safety and expedite construction to meet project timelines. Accompanied by senior government officials, CM Sangma inspected the New Secretariat Complex, Unity Mall, the Sports Complex at Umsawli and other ongoing works in the New Shillong Township. Reviewing the New Secretariat Complex, CM Sangma said the project would bring government departments under one roof, improving coordination, administrative efficiency and citizen service delivery once operational. He also reviewed the progress of the Unity Mall, which is being developed to provide a dedicated marketplace for Meghalaya’s artisans, weavers, ...

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested the Project Director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in Shillong, identified as Aanand Singh Chouhan, alongside two private individuals, for allegedly demanding a ₹12-lakh bribe from a contractor to clear a pending bill. The action follows a formal case registered on July 1 based on a complaint alleging that Chouhan demanded the illicit payout to process an outstanding invoice totaling ₹13.38 crore. According to the investigation, the public servant instructed the complainant to pay an advance installment of ₹4 lakh and directed him to route the transaction through intermediaries in Guwahati.   The agency uncovered an intricate distribution ring involving both localized drop-offs and interstate financial networks...

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), in collaboration with the Government of Meghalaya, on Monday inaugurated the two-day National Conference on "NextGen Administrative & e-Gov Reforms" at the State Convention Centre in Shillong. The conference has brought together more than 300 delegates from across the country, including senior policymakers, administrative officers, district collectors, academicians and governance experts, to discuss the future of technology-driven public administration and citizen-centric governance. Addressing the inaugural session, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, DARPG Secretary Nivedita Sh...

India’s top policymakers and administrators will be attending a two-day national conference on July 13 and 14 in Shillong. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma will inaugurate the “NextGen Administrative & e-Gov Reforms”, with addresses also expected from DARPG Secretary Nivedita Shukla Verma and Meghalaya Chief Secretary Shakil P Ahammed. More than 300 senior officers from the Centre and States, District Collectors, domain experts, academics, and governance practitioners are slated to attend. The discussions will center on how technology and innovative administration can make public service delivery faster, more transparent, and more responsive. The conference will open with Meghalaya presenting its own citizen-centric reforms an...

Football enthusiasts in Shillong are thrilled and filled with immense excitement for the 135th edition of the Durand Cup 2026. On the occasion of this historic tournament, the Honorable Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Shri Wailadmiki Shylla, addressed the event. The Sports Minister praised the deep roots of football in Meghalaya and the unwavering passion of its people for the sport. He stated that the Government of Meghalaya feels immensely proud to host a prestigious tournament like the Durand Cup. The Minister extended his special best wishes to the three local teams participating from Shillong—Shillong Lajong FC, Nongthymmai Sports Social & Cultural Club, and Rangdajied United FC—expressing hope that they will perform brilliantly on this national stage and bring laurel...

The Hill State People's Democratic Party (HSPDP) on Thursday announced that it will neither field acandidate nor support the United Democratic Party (UDP) nominee in the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha by-election. Addressing a press conference, HSPDP president K.P. Pangniang said the party had decided against contesting the bypoll as there was very little time for preparations. He also said the party would not extend support to the UDP candidate following differences within the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA) over the selection of a consensus nominee. Pangniang recalled that the HSPDP had backed the UDP candidate under the RDA banner in the previous two Lok Sabha elections. However, he said thealliance partners could not arrive at a consensus this time. "As a party, we wanted ...

A section of Shillong's trading community has thrown its weight behind the VPP-led Executive Committee of the KHADC in opposing the return of quick-commerce platform Blinkit, arguing that its operation would severely affect the livelihoods of thousands of local traders and workers. Representatives of the city's business community on Thursday expressed concern over reports that Blinkit could resume operations in Shillong, maintaining that its previous presence had adversely impacted local businesses. Speaking on behalf of the group, Andrew Nongkynrih recalled that Blinkit operated in Shillong for about three months in 2025, during which local traders witnessed a sharp decline in business. He said many shops reported a fall in sales ranging from 40-50%, while 30 to 40 establishment...