Shillong

Meghalaya's BJP has demanded the permanent closure of all unlawful mining operations following the murder of activist Dilseng M Sangma during an inspection of an illegal quarry in West Garo Hills. BJP spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang condemned the killing, citing a need for decisive action to prevent future tragedies and called for a comprehensive investigation into illegal mining activities statewide. He emphasized that mere arrests are insufficient and urged Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to implement substantial measures to permanently eradicate illegal mining. This incident highlights the ongoing issues related to illegal mining in Meghalaya, echoing similar past tragedies in Jaintia and Khasi Hills. Additionally, the Voice of the People Party (VPP) condemned the assault, demanding jus...

The debate over railway connectivity in Meghalaya has intensified, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Voice of the People Party (VPP) offering differing but intersecting perspectives on development, migration control and policy coherence. On Wednesday, the Meghalaya BJP reiterated its support for railway expansion in the state, arguing that rail transport is not only essential for long-term economic growth but also a more effective mechanism for regulating migration compared to roadways. Party spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang warned that continued resistance to rail infrastructure could prove costly for the state in the long run. “If railways do not come to our state, we will be the ones who lose out. Thirty or forty years from now, future generations may question why we ...

Meghalaya’s tourism sector has registered a steady flow of visitors in 2025, with hoteliers estimating that around 1.5 million tourists visited the state during the bygone year.The hoteliers also observed that several disruptions during the year had prevented the numbers from being higher.President of the Federation of Shillong Hotels, Parambir Singh Sehdave, said tourism in the state is shaping up well, with festivals such as the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival emerging as major draws for visitors.“However, that incidents like the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, the Ahmedabad plane crash, and fears triggered by landslides in other hilly regions adversely affected tourist sentiment,’ Sehdave said.He said traffic congestion remains the most common complaint among tourists visiting Shillong,...

The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has criticized Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong's comment regarding the Meghalaya Residents’ Safety and Security (Amendment) Bill, 2020, stating it was being allowed to "die a natural death." HYC argues that this reflects a governmental failure and a shift of responsibility to the previous Mukul Sangma administration. During a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the state proposed adjustments to the Immigration and Foreigners Act to align with the Inner Line Permit (ILP) framework, a move Tynsong described as encouraging. HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem contended that laws do not simply expire; they require active legislative efforts or face abandonment from inaction. He emphasized the government’s acknowledgment of the MRSSA Bill...

On Sunday, dog lovers in Shillong, Meghalaya protested against the Supreme Court's directive to remove stray dogs from various public spaces, including educational institutions and hospitals. The court instructed all states and Union Territories to relocate these dogs to designated shelters after implementing sterilisation and vaccination, according to the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. The protesters, gathered at Khyndailad, held placards with messages advocating for compassion towards community dogs and emphasizing the importance of ABC and vaccination. Local residents voiced their concerns, noting that the real issue lies with human behavior rather than the dogs themselves. They argued that removing dogs would disrupt the community, particularly affecting local feeders who ...

The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has alleged serious lapses in the guarding of Meghalaya’s international boundary amidst the instability in Bangladesh. KSU general secretary Donald Thabah said that in the wake of the unrest in the neighbouring country, the students’ union has directed all its units and circles, particularly those along the international border, to remain on high alert.“Vigilance has also been extended across the state as illegal entrants can enter Meghalaya not only through direct border crossings but also via indirect routes from other parts of the country,” Thabah said, while commenting on suspected illegal infiltration detected by KSU.He said that similar cases have been reported earlier in several areas, including locations far from the immediate border. “Despite th...

The Shillong Teer lottery results for Thursday, January 2, 2026, have been officially announced. Held daily at the Shillong Polo Ground, the archery-based lottery is conducted under the supervision of the Khasi Hills Archery Sports Association (KHASA).Shillong Teer is played in two rounds, where participants place bets by predicting the number of arrows that hit the target. After the completion of both rounds, the total number of arrows determines the winning numbers for the First and Second Rounds. Apart from offering cash rewards to players, Shillong Teer plays a significant role in promoting traditional archery and supporting local sports culture in Meghalaya. Players are advised to check the complete winners list through authorised counters and official sources only.

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 ...

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 ...