Category Archives: Uncategorized

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 22: The public hearing on the proposed limestone mining project of Shree Cement Limited at Lum Syrman under Elaka Nongkhlieh in East Jaintia Hills district was called off on Friday following violent protests which led to a complete breakdown of law and order at the venue.

The hearing, organised by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), could not commence as a large number of people opposing the project gathered at the site and prevented officials from initiating the proceedings.

Tension escalated after the protesters allegedly hurled chairs towards the area where officials designated to conduct the hearing were seated.

When it was announced that the hearing had been called off, the op-position groups were seen rejoicing by dancing at the venue. They demanded that the MSPCB issue a written order confirming that the public hearing had been called off.

The situation turned volatile even before the public hearing began, as a truck was allegedly set ablaze by protesters who claimed that it was parked on the road to prevent anti-mining groups from reaching the venue of the public hearing.

Stone-pelting incidents were also reported near the venue in which several individuals were injured. A man, who sustained head injuries, alleged that vehicles, including trucks, were strategically parked along the route to block access to the public hearing site.

People opposing the mining project, along with members of various organi-sations from Jaintia Hills, assembled at the venue from early morning ahead of the hearing scheduled for 10 am.

The protesters demanded that the state government and the MSPCB en-sure that agricultural and community lands in the area are not handed over to the cement company. They further called for the immediate closure and restoration of the limestone mining site at Lum Syrman.

Speaking to reporters, East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar said the hearing had to be called off in view of deteriorating law and order situation.

“Due to law and order situation and too much of shouting by people, we were not able to hold the public hearing today and it was called off. We took this decision in the interest of peace in the region,” Kumar said.

A senior official of the pollution board said there was no immediate plan to reschedule (Contd on P-7)

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 21: Senior NPP leader and cabinet minister Timothy D Shira on Thursday said the long history of peaceful coexistence and shared cultivation practices between communities living along the Assam-Meghalaya border should serve as the foundation for resolving present-day disputes, even as tensions continue over the Lapangap sector in West Jaintia Hills.

Referring to the recurring friction in the border village, Shira observed that residents from both Meghalaya and Assam have, for generations, cultivated land across the border regions and maintained social and economic ties without major confrontation.

He suggested that traditional arrange-ments based on mutual understanding and cooperation could continue to help maintain harmony in disputed areas until a permanent settlement is reached.

“People from both sides have been living and cultivating in these areas since time immemorial,” the minister said, while noting that many border communities remain closely linked through farming activities and day-to-day interactions despite the interstate dispute.

Though clarifying that he is not directly involved with the regional committee handling the Assam-Meghalaya boundary talks, Shira said many of the current disagreements are rooted in historical land-use patterns where communities moved freely and cultivated land irrespective of administrative boundaries. (Contd on P-7)

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 22: The Meghalaya High Court on Friday took up a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum, questioning the application of the State’s Job Reservation Policy for allocating quota seats in higher professional courses.

The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh, heard the matter. During the proceedings, Advocate General Amit Kumar raised questions over the maintainability of the PIL and sought time to file an affidavit-in-reply.

The court granted the request and (Contd on P-7)

Roads, markets, tourism, livelihood projects among NEC push in state

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 21: From road connectivity and urban infrastructure to organic farming and youth exchange programmes, Meghalaya received investments worth Rs 555.63 crore from the North Eastern Council (NEC) during the 2022-26 period under the 15th Finance Commission framework.

An official communique stated that the funding covered multiple sectors, including education, entrepreneurship, tourism, agriculture, healthcare and tribal livelihood initiatives across the state.

A substantial portion of the allocation, amounting to Rs 160.87 crore, was utilised under the Schemes of NEC (SoNEC), supporting the construction and upgrading of community assets such as school buildings, markets, bridges, tourism infrastructure and healthcare facilities in different districts.

The Council said the interventions were also aimed at boosting livelihood opportunities through projects linked to honey production, mushroom cultivation, Lakadong turmeric processing, livestock development and integrated farming systems.

Organic farming initiatives and programmes supporting rural producers and tribal communities were likewise taken up during the period.

Alongside economic development projects, the NEC stated that several initiatives focused on preservation of Meghalaya’s cultural identity and strengthening local community infrastructure. These included the development of cultural complexes, eco-tourism facilities and community halls.

(Contd on P-7)

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 22: The Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) on Saturday announced the results of the SSLC Supplementary Examination 2026, with 90.16% of the students clearing the exam.

Out of 5,615 students who appeared in the supplementary examination held from May 1 to May 8, 5,063 students passed the exams.

With these results, the overall pass percentage for SSLC 2026 has risen significantly to 97.26%. The total number of successful candidates now stands at 47,291.

In the main SSLC examination, 42,228 out of 48,623 students had passed, while 6,395 students were unsuccessful. Of those, 5,615 appeared for the supplementary exams.

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 21: Leaders of the city and suburban taxi drivers’ association on Thursday met East Khasi Hills District Transport Officer (DTO) R. Hinge to seek a crackdown on illegal “offline” bike taxi services operating in Shillong.

The delegation raised concerns over the increasing number of two-wheelers being used commercially without authorisation, allegedly under the Rapido banner.

Association president Kmenlang Khonglah told reporters that these unauthorised operators are setting up stands at various locations, adversely affecting the livelihoods of local taxi drivers.

Khonglah stated that while the association understands the challenges faced by the public and unemployed youth, commercial bike services must operate within the law.

(Contd on P-7)

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 22: The Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) has summoned four present and former officials of the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) over alleged failure to act on complaints of sexual harassment lodged by members of the state Under-23 women’s cricket team.

The commission has directed MCA honorary secretary Rayonald Kharkamni, former MCA president Nababrata Bhattacharjee, former treasurer Dhrubajyoti Thakuria, and former cricket operations manager Shining Star Lyngdoh to appear before it on May 26.

According to notices issued by the commission, the officials allegedly knew about complaints of sexual harassment faced by members of the women’s Under-23 cricket team, but failed to initiate appropriate action.

The allegations were reportedly directed at the team’s head coach and team manager, both of whom had earlier appeared before the commission as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Speaking to The Shillong Times, MSCW chairperson Iamonlang Syiem said the commission would refrain from making comments until completion of the inquiry process.

“We will have the hearing on this case on May 26. Maybe, after the hearing, I can comment,” she said.

Sources alleged that the women players had earlier approached MCA office-bearers regarding their grievances, but no action was taken on their complaints.

According to the sources, the team manager had allegedly called members of the women’s cricket team to his room and forced them to consume alcohol. It was also alleged that inappropriate remarks were made against the players during practice sessions, which reportedly caused them mental distress.

The commission observed that the MCA did not initiate any internal inquiry after the complaints surfaced, and neither of the accused officials was reportedly suspended or removed from their positions.

In letters issued on May 14 to the officials concerned, the commission stated that complaints had been registered before the MSCW, alleging that they failed to respond appropriately despite being aware of the allegations.

“…the Commission has taken cognisance of the matter in exercise of its powers and functions under the Meghalaya State Commission for Women Act, 2005,” the notice stated.

The commission further directed the officials to produce all relevant records, internal correspondence, reports, complaints, and other documents connected to the matter during their appearance. (Contd on P-7)

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 21: The Meghalaya Pradesh Youth Congress (MPYC) has urged the state government to provide financial compensation and accommodation support to students appearing for the NEET UG 2026 re-examination on June 21.

In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma through the Deputy Commissioner of North Garo Hills on Thursday, MPYC president Timjim K Momin highlighted the hardships faced by students following the cancellation of the initial examination.

Momin stated that the cancellation has caused emotional distress and financial strain for families across the state. He pointed out that students from remote districts, such as North Garo Hills, face additional challenges due to poor transport connectivity and a lack of affordable lodging near examination centres.

The MPYC president noted that many students had already spent significant amounts on travel and stay for the original exam. The re-examination, he argued, imposes another round of costs that many economically weaker families cannot afford. He added that some students are reportedly considering skipping the exam due to these repeated expenses.

Urging the government to intervene, the MPYC demanded reimbursement for travel and lodging expenses, as well as state-sponsored accommodation for students travelling from rural and remote areas to the centres.

News Capsule

The All India Online Common Entrance Examination (CEE) for recruitment of Agniveers and JCOs/OR in the Indian Army for the year 2026 is scheduled to be conducted from June 1 to 12. Informing this, the Director Recruiting (HQ), Meghalaya, said that admit card for the candidates appearing for online CEE have been uploaded on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in, which have to be availed before May 29. Candidates will be allowed to appear in the examination only if they produce their admit card. For further information, candidates can contact the Recruiting Office (Headquarters), Shillong, at 2504177, or via the mail [email protected].

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 21: Agriculture Minister Timothy D Shira on Thursday said Meghalaya has been steadily expanding its organic farming programme with support from the Centre, as he stressed that chemical fertilisers were not being encouraged in areas officially identified for organic cultivation.

Responding to questions on the state’s organic farming policy and concerns over the reported use of fertilisers in certain areas, Shira clarified that government-supported organic farming zones were relying on natural inputs and bio-manure rather than chemical fertilisers.

He said farmers participating in these initiatives were using organic methods and locally available manure sources for cultivation.

The agriculture minister said that Meghalaya has already brought around 60 per cent of its targeted area under organic farming coverage, while the remaining areas would be gradually incorporated in phases.

According to him, the expansion process requires what he described as a “conversion stage”, during which farmers are first sensitised and convinced to shift towards organic cultivation practices.

He explained that during this transition period, officials assess the amount of land available with farmers and determine the level of financial assistance and incentives to be provided under the scheme.

The government, he added, was proceeding gradually to ensure that farmers adapt properly to organic practices before larger areas are brought under coverage.

Shira also highlighted the role being played by cooperative societies in strengthening organic farming and improving market access for cultivators.

Referring to cooperatives he had recently visited, the minister said many farmers no longer need to personally transport their produce to distant markets because the cooperatives now procure products directly and ensure better prices.

Shira said some of these cooperatives were involved not only in collection and marketing but also in processing activities such as powdering and packaging turmeric and other produce.

According to him, several agreements had also been entered into for supplying organic products to markets outside the state and even abroad.

He reiterated that the government intends to gradually expand organic cultivation to more areas while ensuring farmers receive the necessary technical guidance and financial support during the conversion process.

(Contd on P-7)