Shillong

All remaining parts of Khyndai Lad (Ward No. 9 under the Shillong Municipal Board) excluding areas already designated as vending zones have been notified as ‘No Vending Zones’. According to a notification issued by the Commissioner and Secretary of Urban Affairs, Dr Vijay Kumar D, all forms of street vending activities are strictly prohibited in these areas. “Non-compliance will result in penalties as per the provisions of the Meghalaya Street Vendors Scheme (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending), 2023,” the notification stated. The move comes in exercise of powers under Section 18 of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, and in compliance with directions from the High Court of Meghalaya. The Court had instructed ...

A local businessman, choosing to remain anonymous, has alleged that he received a demand note from Synshar Khymdeit, who claimed to be the area collector of the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC). The allegation was made in a letter addressed to Shillong Press Club President, Deimaia Siangshai. Although dated April 7, 2025, the letter was only recently received by Siangshai. In the letter, the businessman noted that Khymdeit had previously addressed a press conference at the Shillong Press Club on August 1, 2023, where he denied any involvement in issuing demand notes on behalf of the HNLC. The businessman recalled that this denial came a day after Khymdeit’s name surfaced in a vernacular newspaper report, in which a woman from Mawlai accused him of serving her w...

The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), one of the premier institutions in the North- Eastern region of India, celebrated its 52 University Day on 26 May 2025 with great fervour and renewed optimism for the future. The Chief Guest of the event was Dr. W. R. Kharlukhi, Member of the Rajya Sabha and a proud alumnus of NEHU. The celebrations began with the release of the NEHU anthem titled "Rise Up and Build" by the Chief Guest. Composed by Dr. Uttam Sharma, with lyrics penned by Prof. Shobhan N. Lamare, the anthem beautifully encapsulates the spirit and vision of the University. In his address, Prof. Lamare elaborated on the inspiration behind the anthem, emphasizing the significance of the University's motto "Rise Up and Build" and the symbolism of the rising sun-representing light, trut...

Shillong’s historic Iewduh market will undergo a beautification and infrastructure overhaul at a cost of Rs 31 crore, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Monday while announcing a comprehensive plan for the same. Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, senior government officials and representatives of the Hima Mylliem, the chief minister conducted an inspection of the market. He acknowledged the pressing need for improvement in its infrastructure, drainage system, and accessibility. “Thank God for the rains. We actually got to see the real difficulties of the people here,” Sangma said during his visit to the market amid a heavy downpour. The foundation stone for the Iewduh development project was laid in March 2024. The government ha...

The state government on Friday announced that no student from Meghalaya would have to travel beyond Guwahati for the CUET (UG) exam. Commissioner and Secretary of Education, Vijay Mantri informed that all candidates have been accommodated at centres in Shillong, Tura, or Guwahati for the exams starting from May 19. The change of centre has been communicated to candidates by the National Testing Agency (NTA) through email, message, or both. The state government has been in constant coordination with the NTA to increase the number of examination centres for the computer-based test. Three new centres have been onboarded in Shillong, including St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Shillong College, and Shillong ITI. These additional centres have allowed for the reallocation of students wh...

Meghalaya may be the official host of the 39th National Games in 2027, but not all disciplines will be hosted by the state. Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri on Friday stated that the central government has asked Meghalaya to ensure that all other Northeastern states are allowed to host at least one discipline. Warjri denied that the arrangement is due to unavailability of infrastructure in the state, stating that Meghalaya is well-equipped with the necessary infrastructure to host the Games. Construction work is currently under way for infrastructure like indoor and football stadiums, with most required for the Games already completed, he said. The Sports Authority of India (NEHU) may be asked to host some events, depending on the need, he said, while adding that different committees ha...

The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) has clarified that its Act does not allow any college or institution to be affiliated to two universities at the same time. This clarification comes after Education Minister Rakkam Sangma informed that 22 colleges have expressed their intent to affiliate with Captain Williamson Sangma State University. NEHU Controller of Examination, Sumarbin Umdor, stated that the Act stipulates that any college or institution admitted to the privileges of the University (NEHU) shall cease to be associated with or be admitted to the privileges of any other university. Umdor also warned that any move by affiliated colleges seeking withdrawal of affiliation from NEHU will have a negative bearing on the conduct of examinations for students enrolled in these col...

Speed limits are now officially specified for various categories of vehicles by the Ri-Bhoi Police, especially in view of the frequent accident, including many fatal ones, along the busy Guwahati-Shillong Road. According to a notification by the Ri-Bhoi Police, the maximum speed limit for Private Service Vehicles is 80 kmph, while the limit on curves is 40 kmph. In junctions and at pedestrian crossings, the limit is reduced to 20 kmph. For Heavy Goods Vehicles, the maximum speed limit is 60 kmph. This is further reduced to 30 kmph on curves and 20 kmph in junctions and pedestrian crossings. Motorcycles are permitted a maximum speed of 80 kmph, with limits of 40 kmph on curves and 20 kmph at junctions and pedestrian crossings. The Ri-Bhoi Police has also approached the National Highw...

The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Friday announced that it will not allow NEIGRIHMS Director Prof Nalin Mehta to enter the institute’s premises until he takes concrete steps to address the union’s long-pending demands. KSU general secretary Donald V Thabah expressed surprise that Prof Mehta had travelled to Delhi instead of resolving key concerns raised by the student body—particularly regarding the recruitment process at NEIGRIHMS. “This clearly shows that Prof Mehta is not serious about resolving the issues plaguing the institute,” Thabah said, adding, “We stand firm in our decision: the director will not be allowed entry into NEIGRIHMS until our demands are met.” He criticized Prof Mehta’s decision to leave for Delhi, calling it a sign of disregard for the students’ concerns. He...

IIM Shillong bid farewell to Prof D P Goyal, who served as the director of the institution since March 2019. Prof Nalini Prava Tripathy has now been appointed as the new director (in-charge), reports Manosh Das. "Prof Goyal's tenure has been marked by exemplary leadership, academic excellence, and significant contributions to the institute's growth and reputation," an IIM statement said. The farewell programme was attended by Shishir Kumar Bajoria, chairperson of the board of governors, DP Wahlang, chief secretary of the govt of Meghalaya, and other distinguished guests. Bajoria praised Goyal for his leadership and efforts in strengthening the academic standing of the institute. Chief secretary Wahlang, who is also a member of the board, recalled being taught by Prof Goyal during hi...