Thursday, October 30

Shillong

Captain Williamson Sangma State University officially begins classes with 174 students
Meghalaya, Shillong

Captain Williamson Sangma State University officially begins classes with 174 students

SHILLONG: Captain Williamson Sangma State University achieved a landmark moment on Tuesday as it officially launched academic operations with 274 students across its Tura and Shillong campuses, marking the culmination of a 14-year journey from legislative vision to educational reality. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced the milestone on social media, declaring, "Proud to Announce the Beginning of a New Chapter Today marks a historic milestone as we welcome 274 students to Capt. Williamson Sangma State University. The induction ceremony will take place in Tura and at our Shillong Regional Campus. What was once a vision is now a reality, Meghalaya's first State University officially begins its academic journey this year." The development represents a breakthrough for hig...
Shillong’s Police Bazar to become pedestrian zone from 4 to 9 pm daily from Aug 13
Shillong

Shillong’s Police Bazar to become pedestrian zone from 4 to 9 pm daily from Aug 13

The East Khasi Hills district administration has declared the stretch from Khyndai Lad towards Umsohsun as a complete "pedestrian zone" between 4 pm and 9 pm daily with effect from August 13. An order issued by East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah said that in pursuance to instructions from the government, vehicles will not be allowed on the stretch during the said period of time. The idea of turning the stretch into a "pedestrian zone" for only five hours daily does not seem to be in tune with the earlier announcements of the state government which had promised turning the entire stretch into a pedestrian zone. The government had even announced issuing passes to the residents of the area to enable them to drive their vehicles in the area at certain hours of the day.
Singer Sonu Nigam to perform in Shillong, dates to be announced soon
Shillong

Singer Sonu Nigam to perform in Shillong, dates to be announced soon

Legendary playback singer Sonu Nigam will perform in Shillong as part of his ambitious seven-city 'Satrangi Re India Tour', marking a rare opportunity for music lovers in the Northeast to witness the Padma Shri recipient live on stage. The tour, announced on Nigam's 52nd birthday, positions Shillong alongside major metropolitan cities including Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Pune. This inclusion underscores the growing recognition of Shillong's vibrant music scene and its passionate audience base. Tickets for the entire tour will go live exclusively on BookMyShow from August 1, 2025. The concerts are being produced by NR Talent & Event Management in collaboration with BookMyShow.
Shillong Ropeway Project Hit By PIL On Felling Trees
News, Shillong

Shillong Ropeway Project Hit By PIL On Felling Trees

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Meghalaya High Court has stalled progress on the Shillong Ropeway Project due to concerns over tree felling in the Lawsohtun area. A state-level committee informed the court that numerous trees were cut down in East Khasi Hills’ Raid Laban Reserve Forest to make way for the Shillong Peak Ropeway Cable Car Project, initiated by the Tourism Department. Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh responded to the court's concerns, stating that the government had secured all required clearances, including permission from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, prior to starting work. He emphasized that the project adhered to legal requirements and that the court had been duly informed of the approvals. Lyngdoh added that afforestation w...
SMB Evicts Illegal Hawkers From PB 
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
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
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
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
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
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.