Shillong

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...

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 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...

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.

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 ...

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...

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...

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.

The Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) is expected to begin evicting street vendors without valid certificates of vending (COVs) from the Khyndai Lad area from Wednesday. The SMB's three-day notice for unlicenced vendors to vacate the area will expire on Tuesday, official sources said. The notice was issued on Saturday but the sources clarified that the three-day period officially began on Sunday, following its publication in local newspapers. The notice was signed by PK Boro in the capacities as the Chairperson of the Town Vending Committee and the Chief Executive Officer of the SMB. The sources emphasised that the government remains committed to safeguarding the livelihoods of street vendors even after they are relocated to designated vending zones. The upper floor of MUDA complex has...