Shillong

Markets across Shillong wore a deserted look today as shops remained closed in solidarity and protest against the killing of 26 civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The shutdown, called by traders under the banner of the Meghalaya Citizens Forum, was observed voluntarily, with no enforcement or coercion. The tragic incident at Pahalgam, where civilians were gunned down and many others injured, has sparked widespread outrage. Prominent marketplaces like lewduh, lew Mawlong, Khyndai Lad (Police Bazar), and Polo Market saw near-total closure, while a few shops remained open in areas such as Malki and parts of Laitumkhrah.

A powerful storm accompanied by strong winds caused widespread destruction across several villages under Ranikor Block, Ranikor Civil Sub-Division, South West Khasi Hills District on the night of April 26. According to reports, a total of 23 houses and one school building were damaged. The affected areas include Nongkdait, where 10 houses were damaged, Puksora with 10 houses affected, and Ranikor where 3 houses and one school were hit by the storm. Additionally, landslides were reported along the road at Alukureng village. Clearing operations are currently underway to remove debris and restore access. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. Temporary arrangements for shelter have been made by the local villages for the displaced families.

The Post Graduate Students’ Union (PGSU) of Gauhati University has expressed deep shock and dismay over the recent incident of assault of NEHU faculty Dr Alok Singh by the president of NEHUSU and his associates. “We hold the teaching fraternity in the highest regard for their selfless service to the nation through students’ uplift,” PGSU general secretary Kaushik Baruah said in a statement on Sunday. He said that they have been closely observing the developments, protests, and agitations at NEHU, particularly during the crucial phase of implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Baruah said that they empathize with the students and are concerned about the security situation on campus, given the NEHUSU’s control over entrance gates and interference in day-to-day administrati...

The Shillong Citizens Forum (SCF) held a candlelight vigil at Khyndai Lad on Sunday to honour the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir. The gathering, held against the backdrop of the old Assembly building in Shillong, attracted hundreds of residents from various communities, age groups, and faiths. The SCF also reiterated its call for a total shutdown of shops and business establishments across Greater Shillong on Monday, urging citizens to participate peacefully and stress the need for unity and collective resilience in the face of terror. The vigil served as a call to action, a call for compassion, unity,  and vigilance in times when hate seeks to divide. The SCF will also submit memorandums to the Prime Minister and Home Minister of India through the Governor and C...

In response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, the Shillong Citizen Forum (SCF) has announced a candlelight vigil on Sunday at Khyndai Lad (Police Bazar). The forum has also called for a complete shutdown of all shops and business establishments across Greater Shillong on Monday, as a mark of protest and collective mourning. The candlelight vigil is scheduled for Sunday, from 5 pm to 7 pm, in front of the old Assembly building at Khyndai Lad, Shillong. Official permission for the event has been granted by the East Khasi Hills district administration. As part of the protest, the organisers are urging all shopkeepers and businesses in Greater Shillong to observe a complete shutdown on Monday. In addition, a memorand...

Suzanne Farisha Syiem, a resident of Shillong, narrowly escaped the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, where 26 people were shot dead. Syiem was visiting the region as a tourist with a friend and witnessed the horrifying incident firsthand. Speaking to a YouTube channel, she narrated the terrifying experience during their travel to the picturesque Pahalgam valley, which required about an hour and a half of trekking to reach. She described the location as reminiscent of the Shillong Golf Course — only more beautiful, nestled atop a hill. Recalling the terrifying moments, Syiem said she was resting under the shade of a tree, as suggested by a photographer accompanying them, when she noticed an armed man hiding behind another tree. According to her, the man — lat...

RTI activist Napoleon S Mawphniang has petitioned Governor CH Vijayashankar and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged financial irregularities in the Laitumkhrah Municipal Market redevelopment project. Mawphniang lodged a complaint with Chief Secretary Donald P Wahlang, who is also the Chief Vigilance Commissioner, for a CBI probe alleging financial irregularities, procedural violations, conflict of interest, and environmental non-compliance of the project. He said on Sunday that documents obtained through RTI applications revealed a disturbing pattern of corruption and mismanagement that resulted in a 36.8% increase in project costs and a delay of over four years. He said a CBI probe is imperative for a comprehensive foren...

Anti-Aadhaar protesters held a public rally near the U Kiang Nangbah opposite Shillong Civil Hospital to oppose the government’s decision to push for mandatory Aadhaar-linking to access various government benefits. Later, a minor scuffle also ensued between protesters and police personnel, drawing criticisms. The government has however distanced itself from the matter of mandatory Aadhaar-linking, leaving accountability to the Centre. The Meghalaya unit of the Awaken India Movement (AIM) on Wednesday held a public rally near the statue of U Kiang Nangbah opposite Shillong Civil Hospital to oppose the government’s decision to push for mandatory Aadhaar-linking to access various government benefits. Speaking during the public rally, AIM Meghalaya unit chairman Banshai Marbaniang said the...

The third ASEAN-India Artists' Camp is being held in Shillong, bringing together artists from ASEAN countries and India in a joint endeavor to use art to explore cultural narratives. The goal of the March 29–April 7 event is to foster artistic communication and understanding between the participating countries. Of the 34 artists in the camp, 11 are from ASEAN nations, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste. With a significant representation from Northeast India, Indian players come from a variety of geographical areas. Notable artists include Chandan Bez Barua from Assam Government Art College and Raphael Warjri from Meghalaya's Riti Academy. The program, which is organized by SEHER, encourages artists ...