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===AUTHOR===

I, Shri Binansius Shakwa, son of Shri Robi Karmakar, hereby declare that both the names namely Bimansius Jakwa and Binansius Shakwa belong to one and same person i.e. myself and also Robi Karnakor and Robi Karmakar is one and same person i.e. my father, vide an affidavit sworn before Notary Public dated 25th May, 2026 at Nongpoh.

I, Shri Binansius Shakwa, son of Shri Robi Karmakar, hereby declare that both the names namely Bimansius Jakwa and Binansius Shakwa belong to one and same person i.e. myself and also Robi Karnakor and Robi Karmakar is one and same person i.e. my father, vide an affidavit sworn before Notary Public dated 25th May, 2026 at Nongpoh.

===AUTHOR===
Shri Binansius Shakwa

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 26: Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Vincent H Pala on Tuesday criticised the state government’s handling of the interstate border dispute with Assam, particularly in the Lapangap area of West Jaintia Hills, and called the government’s scientific mining policy a failure.

Speaking to reporters, Pala alleged the government has failed to adequately involve local stakeholders— including villagers, traditional heads, and Autonomous District Councils (ADCs)— in discussions regarding the disputed areas.

He stated that ongoing tensions in Lapangap continue to distress residents and argued that meaningful consultation with local communities is essential for any lasting solution. Pala claimed that border agreements are being reached without sufficient participation from those directly affected on the ground, adding that bodies like the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) must be involved in the resolution process.

The Congress leader further accused both the Assam and Meghalaya governments of a lack of seriousness in resolving disputes involving public interest. He also highlighted the lack of development in border regions, noting that official visits usually occur only after tensions have already escalated.

Pala maintained that unless local stakeholders are fully integrated into the negotiation and implementation processes, border tensions will persist.

‘Failed’ scientific coal mining policy

Pala alleged that the state’s scientific coal mining policy has failed to benefit small miners and the general public.

The MPCC chief claimed that while numerous individuals have applied for mining leases over the years, very few projects have actually become operational. He noted that despite repeated government assurances, implementation on the ground remains stalled, leaving many applicants waiting for clearances.

The Congress leader argued that the concerns of small-scale miners and local communities have been ignored under the present framework. He also questioned whether ongoing mining operations are being carried out strictly according to approved plans and regulations.

Pala further alleged that the government has focused more on announcements and publicity than on effective policy execution.

He claimed that many people dependent on the coal sector continue to face economic hardship as the government’s promises to reopen and regulate the industry remain unfulfilled.

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 26: The Indian Army’s K9 units took centre stage on Tuesday during the ongoing Exercise PRAGATI 2026 at Umroi, demonstrat-
ing their operational capabilities along-
side troops from 12 friendly nations.

The maiden edition of the multina-
tional joint military exercise has entered
an intensive phase, involving over 400
personnel. The K9 units displayed spe-
cialised skills in explosive detection,
tracking, and intervention.

Key participants included Alan, a
Belgian Malinois assault dog; Victor, a
Rampur Hound tracker; and Deo, a Lab-
rador specialised in explosive detection.
A major highlight was the inclusion of
Victor, an indigenous Rampur Hound.
Known for its resilience and adaptabil-
ity, the breed’s participation reflects the
Army’s focus on integrating indigenous
breeds under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’
initiative.

The exercise also featured robotic
dogs, highlighting the integration of
advanced technology with traditional
K9 units to enhance battlefield capa-
bilities. Military officials noted that
these units remain vital for operations
across diverse terrains, from deserts to
glaciers.

Exercise PRAGATI 2026, which
began on May 20 and concludes on May
31, aims to strengthen tactical coordi-
nation, regional security, and defense
cooperation.

The engagement provides a plat-
form for participating armies to share
operational best practices and improve
interoperability.

OFFICER ENTRY

भारतीय थल सेना

www.joinindianarmy.nic.in

अधिकारी प्रविष्टि

तकनीकी स्नातक कोर्स (टी जी सी-144) (जनवरी 2027 में निर्धारित) के लिए ऑनलाइन आवेदन आमंत्रित किए जाते हैं।

आवेदन 11 जून 2026 तक खुले रहेंगे।

Online applications are invited for Technical Graduate Course (TGC-144) (scheduled in Jan 2027).

Applications will remain open till 11 June 2026.

नोट :

1. सेना में भर्ती पूर्णतया पारदर्शी और मुफ्त है। दलालों से सावधान रहें।

2. विस्तृत नोटिफिकेशन के लिए, कृपया www.joinindianarmy.nic.in पर जाएँ।

Note :

1. Recruitment in the Army is totally transparent and free. Beware of touts.

2. For detailed Notification, please visit www.joinindianarmy.nic.in

cbc 10601/11/0006/2627

Project aims to help local candidates clear SSC, Banking and Railway exams

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 26: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has launched ‘Project Aspire,’ a digital initiative providing free coaching for national-level government job examinations to the youth of Ri Bhoi. Funded under the NITI Aayog Aspirational District Program, the project seeks to bridge the resource gap for local candidates targeting roles in the SSC, Banking, Railways, and Intelligence Bureau (IB).

The initiative provides a mobile-based “Free Govt Job Prep Kit” featuring daily live classes and a test series of over 10,000 questions. By moving coaching to a digital platform, the district administration aims to eliminate the need for students to migrate to expensive coaching hubs in other states.

Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal noted that while local aspirants often excel in General Knowledge and English, a lack of infrastructure has historically hindered their performance in technical segments.

“During previous drives, we realised students struggle with reasoning and mathematics because there is no existing coaching infrastructure here,” Baranwal said. “We have now partnered to provide structured content and AI-driven feedback that identifies specific areas for improvement, ensuring students are truly exam-ready.”

In addition to competitive exam coaching, the administration is supporting school-level education by facilitating access to AI-backed, 24/7 personal tutors to help younger students build conceptual clarity.

Eligible youth who have passed Class 12 can register for the programme at ribhoi-examprep.com.

PTI

NEW DELHI, May 26: Gold prices declined by Rs 2,800 to Rs 1.62 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Tuesday as military tensions between Washington and Tehran drove investors towards the US dollar. According to the All India Sarafa Association, gold of 99.9 per cent purity depreciated by Rs 2,800 to Rs 1,62,400 per 10 grams.

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 26: Voice of the People Party (VPP) spokesperson Dr AW Rani has raised concerns over the Me-ghalaya government’s Integrated Excise Management System (IEMS), alleging the policy hurts local liquor retailers and reduces state revenue to benefit private interests.

Clarifying that the VPP does not promote liquor consump-tion, Rani insisted that government regulations must remain fair, transparent, and economically viable.

He argued that while the state should work to reduce the so-cial impact of alcohol, current policies should not undermine local businesses and workers dependent on the sector.

Rani criticised the IEMS for reducing retailers’ margins and diverting a portion of their earnings to C-Tel Infosystems Pvt Ltd, the private agency implementing the system. He claimed this arrangement weakens small businesses, threatens jobs, and could encourage illegal sales and black marketing.

The spokesperson further alleged that the system lacks transparency and suggests possible corruption. He noted that the government has reportedly maintained the reduced excise margin policy despite observations from the High Court and the subsequent withdrawal of the matter from the Supreme Court. (Contd on P-7)

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