Shillong

The Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Thursday demanded that the public hearing for the proposed Shree Cement project be declared "null and void", alleging that those opposed to the project were not given a fair opportunity to participate. Addressing reporters, VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said it was the government's responsibility to ensure that both supporters and opponents of the project were heard, public concerns were addressed, and the project's merits were clearly explained before any decision was taken. Basaiawmoit also questioned the excavation of roads leading to the public hearing venue, drawing a comparison with earlier incidents where FIRs were reportedly filed against youths who highlighted alleged poor road construction. He said the circumstances created ...

Thousands of Voice of the People Party (VPP) supporters took to the streets on Thursday as the party’s much-publicised protest march to the State Secretariat witnessed a massive turnout. The rally passed off peacefully under heavy security deployment and without any untoward incident. Supporters began converging near Civil Hospital well before the start of the programme, with many others joining the procession as it moved through the city. The crowd steadily swelled as participants continued to pour in even after the march had commenced. The procession saw VPP leaders and supporters march around the State Secretariat before halting briefly at the Additional Secretariat parking lot. From there, the rally continued past the State Secretariat towards the Deputy Commissioner’s ...

The VPP on Thursday demanded that the public hearing for the proposed Shree Cement project be declared "null and void", alleging that those opposed to the project were not given a fair opportunity to participate. VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit questioned the government's handling of the hearing, saying it was its responsibility to hear both supporters and opponents, address public concerns, and explain the project's merits before taking any decision.

Heavy security deployment was witnessed around the Main Secretariat ahead of the Voice of the People's Party's (VPP) peaceful march on Thursday morning. The East Khasi Hills district administration and police put in place elaborate security arrangements following the party's announcement of a march towards the Secretariat. Police personnel were deployed at strategic locations leading to the Secretariat, while iron barricades were erected along approach roads to regulate the movement of protesters and vehicles. The barricades were arranged to allow demonstrators to assemble on one side of the road while ensuring smooth traffic flow on the other side. Security forces maintained a strict vigil around the Secretariat complex to prevent any breach of law and order. As part of preca...

As many as seven wooden shops were gutted after a fire broke out at Last Stop, Shillong, on Wednesday night. The blaze spread rapidly through the closely packed structures before Fire & Emergency Services brought it under control, preventing a major disaster. No human or animal casualties were reported. The affected shops included archery counters, a salon, fruit stalls and other small businesses. Fire officials said the cause of the blaze is yet to be determined, with an inquiry to be completed within the next 24 hours. Iewduh Fire Station Officer Dinesh Rai said the Fire and Emergency Services received the distress call shortly after 9 pm and rushed two fire tenders to the spot. Firefighters contained the blaze within minutes. He said it was a small fire in terms of operationa...

The privately-operated iconic Bed Ford buses may be a thing of the past, but Meghalaya’s new government-run “Ka Bos Jong Ngi” service is giving commuters renewed hope that organised bus transport can once again become a reliable feature of life in Shillong. The new fleet of buses, introduced under the Ka Bos Jong Ngi initiative, is receiving an encouraging response from the public, with residents welcoming a service that is more organised, comfortable and punctual than the city’s conventional bus system. At the same time, many hope the government will maintain the fleet properly so it does not suffer the same fate as the SPTS/JNNURM buses, many of which eventually ended up rusting in scrapyards across Shillong. The initiative was launched in February this year with a fleet of 29 air...

Several community leaders and residents of Elaka Nongkhlieh, including former Secretary of Elaka Nongkhlieh Willingson Sukhlain, on July 31, expressed strong support for the proposed Shree Cement Plat during the public hearing conducted by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), citing its potential to boost economic development and create employment opportunities for local youth. Speaking at the hearing, Mr. Nangiaid Pashiang said the people of Bamkhosngi Village welcomed the proposed project and viewed the region's limestone resources as a valuable asset for development. He stated that the project could provide much-needed employment opportunities, particularly at a time when government jobs are limited, and claimed that an overwhelming majority of the villagers support ...

Stakeholders gave a detailed postive presentation on the proposed Shree cement Limestone Plant in Elaka Nongkhlieh / Lum Syrman during the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) hearing on July 31. The leaders outlined the statutory procedures and formalities associated with its implementation of the project, highlighting that all environment compliance measures have been adhered to by the company, keeping all aspects in mind.Ms. S. Langshiang, explained the project's objectives, operational plans, and the environmental management measures proposed by the company. Her presentation also covered the project's potential environmental impacts and the steps that would be taken to protect forests, water resources, and the surrounding ecosystem. According to the presentation, t...

Deen Dayal Upadhyay Community College (DDUCC) for Skill Development, Wahiajer, a constituent college of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), successfully organised an eight-day training programme on "Embroidery & Indigenous Design Techniques" from 22 to 30 July 2026. The programme was conducted with the objective of empowering local youth, particularly women, by equipping them with vocational skills that promote economic independence, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods. A total of 30 participants from different sections of the community actively participated in the training. The sessions were conducted by Ms. Heihokwanki Lytan, who served as the Resource Person. Through practical demonstrations and interactive learning sessions, the participants acquired valuable knowle...

Deputy Chief Minister and NPP national vice-president Sniawbhalang Dhar has reminded the voters of Jaintia Hills that the government had waived off Rs 850 crore in pending vehicle dues under One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme. Addressing an election campaign rally for NPP’s Shillong LS bye-election candidate Dr DRL Nonglait at Sutnga, Dhar said 1.70 lakh vehicles had defaulted on taxes after Covid-19 and the bans on coal and timber in 2020. Total liabilities had crossed Rs 1050 crore. “If we enforced collection, over 3 lakh people dependent on trucks would lose their livelihood,” the Deputy CM, who also holds the Transport portfolio, said. The cabinet approved waivers of 80% on other taxes and 90% on fitness fees. “Out of Rs 1050 crore, we have waived about Rs 850 crore,” Dhar s...