Month: January 2022

Police arrests one for involvement in Khyndailad IED blast

Shillong Today

Shillong, Jan 31: Police have been able to arrest one person for his involvement in the IED blast at Khyndailad on Sunday evening.

East Khasi Hills, Superintendent of Police (SP), Sylvester Nongtnger during the course of enquiry, he admitted his involvement and claimed himself to be the ‘Area Commander’ of Shillong Region of the banned outfit- Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).

On his leading, a crude IED was recovered from the residence of his relatives which was safely defused and duly seized in the presence of independent witnesses.

Nongtnger, said that an IED was detonated at the entrance of the Centre Point building, Police Bazar, Shillong damaging the wall, windowpanes and signage of the shops located in the aforesaid building. Following the blast, Crime Scene Unit (CSU) and a bomb squad rushed to the blast site. The place of occurrence was cordoned and necessary steps of investigation were taken.

Meanwhile, a case under Shillong Sadar police station No. 27(01)2022 U/S 120 (B)/427 IPC R/W Sec. 5 Explosive Substances Act has been registered and investigation is in progress.

Meanwhile, the HNLC has claimed responsibility for the blast.

The HNLC stated that the IED was triggered since a few business establishments refused to pay ‘tax’ to the outfit.

 

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Shillong hosts Commonwealth Parliamentary Association India Region Zone-III meet

Shillong Today

Shillong, Jan 31: The Executive Committee Meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-III of the Speakers and Deputy Speakers of North Eastern States was held in Shillong on Monday.

Meghalaya Assembly Speaker, Metbah Lyngdoh who is also the president of North East Region Institute of Parliamentary Studies & Research (NERIPSTR) informed that this institution in Khanapara, Assam whose building has been completed will soon start extending support to all legislators of the north eastern states.

He also said that setting up of such an institution in the region is basically is to impart training and extend support to all the legislators of the regions and also officials of these assemblies.

“As of now the MLAs of the north eastern states have to attend this training workshop programmes in the Lok Sabha. So we felt that the institution is the need of the hour of the distance location,” Lyngdoh added.

Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Speaker also said that construction of the Assembly building at Mawdiangdiang will be completed by June this year.

Lyngdoh said that due to the pandemic, the construction of the building has been delayed.

“We had to review and re-fix the date of completion of different items of works in the new Assembly building. But I hope and pray that Covid should not hamper the ongoing construction of the building,” he added.

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Boundary row: Meghalaya-Assam CMs to meet again on Saturday

Shillong Today
Garib Kalyan Sammelan: Union Minister of State for DoNER B L Verma to attend programme in Shillong

Shillong, Jan 28: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma will be meeting his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday before meeting the government of India to resolve the boundary dispute.

Sangma was hopeful that both the states will come to a final conclusion during the meeting to resolve the first six locations.

It may be mentioned that on Thursday, the Meghalaya Chief Minister had said that both the states have come to an almost 98 percent agreement on the six “less complicated” areas identified for resolving first.

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Cabinet approves increase of seats in ADCs, traditional heads de facto chairman of Village Councils

Shillong Today

Shillong, Jan 28: The Meghalaya Cabinet on Friday approved certain proposals on the amendments to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Among other things, increasing the number of seats in the three district councils of Khasi Hill Autonomous District Council, Garo Hill Autonomous District Council and Janitia Hill Autonomous District Council and election for the Village Councils were approved.

Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma informed that in the Khasi Hills and Garo Hills autonomous district councils there will not be more than 40 members out of which not more than four will be nominated and while for Jaintia Hills autonomous district council there will be not more than 32 members out of which not more than two will be nominated.

Sangma also informed that the cabinet has proposed that the village councils will be elected but the traditional heads like the Rangbah Shnongs, Sirdars and Nokmas will be the de-facto chairman.

The Chief Minister said that the secretary as well as the the other members will be elected.

He informed that the proposal has been done after thorough consultation and discussion with all different stakeholders including the district councils.

Sangma said that these suggestions have come from the district councils and accordingly the state government has proposed them to the centre.

The Chief Minister also said that the government has already discussed with the centre and Ministry of Home Affairs and that particular clause will not be there.

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Conrad Sangma on Republic Day address says government is running the state with accountability

Shillong Today

Shillong, Jan 26: Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma said that his government is running the state with accountability.

Addressing a gathering at Polo Grounds on the occasion of India’s 73rd Republic Day, Sangma said that the government is monitoring each and every government schemes on a real time basis.

“This is the difference in the governance that we are trying to make. You have accountability,” the Chief Minister said.

According to him, at present there are 28,000 pregnant mothers in the state, and the government can exactly tell under which sub-centre, PHC, or which doctor is taking care of them, which Asha is taking care of them.

“We can actually tell you that 10-15 percent are high risk mothers, and we know their names, and we follow, we ensure the doctors visit them, the Ashas visit them special care is given to them and it is, this monitoring that has today helped us to ensure that our institutional deliveries have gone up from 50 percent to 85 percent,” he added.

He also said that the government is monitoring the implementation of PMGSY scheme.

Sangma also said that the government have program for farmers, who have been marginalized all these years.

The Chief Minister said that for the first time in the history of the State, the first welfare program for farmers has been taken up in the last 12 months.

He informed that in this last 12 months, a new program called FOCUS, which is to focus on the farmers has been taken up, where over Rs. 200 crores are going to be spent on four and a half lakh farmer families.

“Benefits will be given to them, and a direct benefit transfer is being done for the first time. With these funds, the farmers are actually able to meet their basic requirements that they need during difficult times,” Sangma added.

The Chief Minister also said that his government is focused on the self-help group movement where women needed to be made more active.

He said presently close to three and a half lakh women are part of the self-help group movement, where it was just 30,000 when this government had taken over in 2018.

Sangma said that it is this governance that was done in the last four years that
has seen over two lakh families who now receive water through pipe, touching almost 12 lakh individuals in the state.

In 2019, in the rural areas, there were only 4000 families or houses that had water through pipe connections.

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Meghalaya celebrates 73rd Republic Day

Shillong Today

Shillong, Jan 26, 2022: Along with the rest of the country, Meghalaya celebrated the 73rd Republic Day on 26th January, 2022.

In the State Capital Shillong, Meghalaya Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute of the 7 marching contingents comprising of the 58 GTC, BSF, CRPF, East Khasi Hills DEF, 1st MLP Battalion, NCC Boys and Girls and the Border Wing Home Guards Battalion Brass Band.

Other highlights of the celebration include Tableau presentation by the Arts & Culture Department, office of the District Agriculture and Horticulture Officer, AH & Veterinary Department, Forest & Environment Department, Soil & Water Conservation Department, PHE Department, Social Welfare Department, Basin Development Unit, East Khasi Hills and Health & Family Welfare Department. The award for best Tableau was awarded to PHE Department (1st place), Soil & Water Conservation Department (2nd place) and AH & Veterinary Department (3rd place).

During the programme, announcement was made for the President’s Home Guards & Civil Defence Medal for Distinguished Service to Shri Willy Nonglang, Deputy Controller, Civil Defence and Home Guards & Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Service to Shri Sangma Kukesh, Sub-Inspector and Shri Liver Lyngdoh, Havildar, Home Guards.

Announcements was also made for the Police Medal for Meritorious Service to Shri Banpyrkhat Nongsiej, Deputy Superintendent of Police, office of the ADGP (Special Branch), Fire Service Medals for Meritorious Service to Shri Tandronath Kharbani, Driver Constable and Governor’s Medal to Shri V. D. Sangahiwot Rymbai, Deputy Superintendent of Police (HQ), Ri Bhoi, Smti Hanny B Sangma, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch PS), Shillong, Shri Hendrick Syiemlieh, UB, Sub- Inspector, PHQ, Shri Salnang Luke W. Momin, UB Sub Inspector, North Garo Hills DEF, Shri Tisharlin Mawdoh, UB Sub Inspector, West Khasi Hills DEF, Shri Clyforth K. Sangma, Havildar, 2nd MLP Battalion, Shri Evel N. Marak, Havildar, 4th MLP Battalion, Shri Akash Roy, LNK, East Khasi Hills DEF, Dakynmolang Passah, AB Constable, East Khasi Hills DEF and Shri Diving Casper Nongbri, BN Constable, 6th MLP Battalion,

The Chief Guest felicitated the health workers attached to the COVID-19 BSL-2 Molecular Laboratory namely, Dr. Evaridalin Shadap, Senior Specialist Incharge Covid-19 BSL-2 Molecular Laboratory, Dr. Chonrei Sangma, Senior Specialist Assistant incharge Covid-19 BSL-2 Molecular Laboratory, Dr. Phibangipan Warjri, Shri Janerio R. Marak, Smti Amanda Ranee, Shri Bandaplupa Nongsiej, Shri Ricky Sunn, Shri Everly Kharbani and Shri Nathaneal Ryan Lyngwa for the services rendered during this pandemic. Dr (Mrs) HC Lyndem DHS (R) and Dr. Phibangipan Warjri received the citation on behalf of the health workers.

The State Food Testing Laboratory of the Commissionerate of Food Safety, Pasteur Hills, Shillong was felicitated during the programme for achieving NABL accreditation in Biological discipline and being the only Government Laboratory in the entire North-East India. Dr (Mrs) Wadamika Lyngdoh, Food Analyst and Microbiologist received the citation on behalf of the team.

Health care workers namely, Dr. Khrawkupar Kharnaior, MS OBG I/c Sohra CHC and his team; Shri Nangteiskhem Rajee, MLHP Thnroit HWC and his team, Smti Naphilin Pyrtuh, AF Mawroh and Mawsiatkhnam PHC and Smti Nancy Sohtun, ASHA, Nehru State Dispensary, Mawlai were also felicitated during the programme.

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COVID 19 UPDATES: Meghalaya records 397 new positive cases, 293 recovers, 01 death

Shillong Today
‘Covid-19 cases in the state could be upto 25 times the numbers recorded’

Shillong, Jan. 25 : Meghalaya on Tuesday registered 397 new COVID-19 cases, which pushed the tally of active cases to 2,360, the health department said in a bulletin.

Meanwhile, the state also records 293 new recovered cases in last 24 hours, with this the total recovered cases reaches 85,302.

01 more succumbs to the infections in last 24 hours, taking total number of fatalities from COVID-19 infection to 1,499 so far.

COVID 19 Break Up - 25th Jan 2022

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Meghalaya celebrates National Voters’ Day

Shillong Today

Shillong, Jan 25, 2022: Commemorating the foundation day of the Election Commission of India in 2011, the 12th National Voters Day was observed on Tuesday on the theme, “‘Making Elections Inclusive, Accessible and Participative”. The programme organized by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Meghalaya was held at the State Central Library, Shillong. The Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, R V Suchiang graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Addressing the gathering, Suchiang said that the importance of the day was to remind every citizen of this country of their rights as voters. By participating in the electoral process, citizens who have attained the age of 18 play a crucial role in ensuring that the fundamentals of democracy, a government by the people, of the people and for the people, are kept alive. Adding that the preparation for election is a continuous process, she said that works for ensuring that the electoral roll is proper, enrolment of those who have attained eligibility, creating awareness, ensuring the fitness of polling stations in terms of basic amenities etc. are all year‐round activities aimed at ensuring that each and every person who is to play a role comes forward to exercise his/her franchise.

Suchiang expressed hope that with the advent of technology and online engagement, the youth and urban voters will participate in greater numbers and in doing so it will reach a point where no voter is left behind, which is one of the objective of the ECI. She also informed that despite the pandemic, the state have risen to the occasion by conducting the by-election last year. She also urged the election machinery in the state to collectively work towards a Covid safe election and also in following Covid appropriate behaviour.

As part of the programme, EPICs were also distributed to newly enrolled voters. State BLO Icon and District BLO Icon were also felicitated. The BLO Ready Reckoner and Directory and the ELC Electorama- Volume II were also released during the day. The Chief Guest also inaugurated the Photo Exhibition Democrarcy@50 at the venue and distributed prizes to the winners of the various ELC competitions.

Earlier the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Kum. Isawanda Laloo flagged off the Walkathon “Walk for Democracy” from Madan Iewrynghep which culminated in the State Central Library premises.

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MLCU celebrates Meghalaya 50th Statehood

Shillong Today

January : As part of the 50 years of statehood celebration, , Martin Luther Christian University today organized an event attended by staff, faculty and students to highlight the history of the state, the sacrifices made by many and the expectations for our future.
The event saw a blend of music, poetry recitations and roleplay by students and faculty of different departments of the university.
While the event celebrated the many successes of the state, the students of the Department of Environment and Traditional Ecosystems gave a presentation on the stark reality of the Waste Scenario in Meghalaya, which needs to be highlighted and taken care of now before its too late. The students presented on the dismal state of waste generation and management in the state. The students also listed steps that can help our state with waste management, which include the Himalayan Clean-Up movement and the Zero Waste movement.
Speaking on the occasion the Chancellor of the University, Dr Glenn C Kharkongor accentuate that Meghalaya is one state which has actually gone backwards and where its people are poorer today than in 1947.
He added that the state prides itself in having intelligent, well-educated, talented people across the various fields of life yet somehow we have not been able to tap into these resources for the development in education, health, sports, arts and even governance. He concluded that the most important thing to do as concerned citizens of the state is to work together and pool in our resources and knowledge to improve the state as a whole.
The University also organized an Essay Writing Contest on the topic, 50 Years Meghalaya: A journey thus far & my future expectation for positive changes, Mr Mebanialam Tang, Dept of Politics & International Studies, Pondicherry University was the first prize winner while Ms Bandashisha Rynjah, Dept of Tourism and Travel Management, Martin Luther Christian University bagged the second prize.

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SPC & Team Jiva distribute food items to inmates of Child Care Institutions

Shillong Today
Shillong Press Club express concern over HNLC accusing media

Shillong, Jan:  Noticing that while the State and its citizens celebrated the Golden Jubilee of Statehood with fanfare and glee despite the pandemic, yet a section of society seemed to have evaded our memories and were not a part of the joyous occasion.

In a symbolic tribute to Meghalaya’s forefathers and mothers for the sacrifice of their blood, sweat and tears that gave us this beautiful Hill State, Team Jiva and Shillong Press Club jointly distributed lunch packets to CCIs (Child Care Institutions) run by the government and registered NGOs in and around Shillong on Saturday.

The two came together to spread some cheer and happiness to residents of 14 CCIs in all. Of these, nine managed by the Government through the Social Welfare department and are located at a sprawling campus in Mawkasiang, New Shillong. They include Observation Home for Boys and Girls separately, Special Home for Boys and Girls separately, Children’s Home for Boys and Girls separately, Special Unit for Children with Special Needs (Boys and Girls separately) and a Shelter Home for Girls.

The remaining five are run by different NGOs that include Lawei Baphyrnai Childrens Home for Boys (Langkyrding), Lawei Baphyrnai Childrens Home for Girls (Mawklot), Meghalaya Hindu Mission Home for Boys (Lower Mawprem), William Lewis Boy’s Home, (Mission Compound) and AW Thomas Girls’ Home, (Jaiaw). In all over 300 packets were handed over to the various supervisors of the different homes and residents.

Appreciating the noble gesture of Jiwat Vaswani and his Team Jiva for acceding to SPC’s call for partnership in this small celebration of Meghalaya Day, President David Laitphlang said, “We felt that we owe it to all our elders who marched in Shillong’s streets 50 years ago to give us this freedom and hence we felt that since no one was reaching out we give it a try and it worked,” adding, “Who knows perhaps someone in an old age home somewhere in the state was a vibrant youth dancing in glee 50 years ago, but today has been forgotten by us. Thank you, Bablu and Team Jiva.”

Vaswani, whose Team Jiva has been receiving much applause for their relentless effort to keep Shillong and its suburbs clean as well as change its landscape by replacing dirt and grime all over the city with beds of roses and plants of all hues and shapes said, “We are happy to avail of this opportunity to once again serve our beautiful state and its people. Thank you Shillong Press Club for pointing us to these friends we were able to reach out to today, Happy Meghalaya Day.”

Meanwhile, receiving the food packets on behalf of all the institutions of the government at Mawkasiang, New Shillong, one of the Superintendents Rimi Dkhar while expressing surprise at this gesture, thanked SPC and Team Jiva for their visit. “We did not expect this, thank you for the surprise. I never thought we would celebrate Meghalaya Day like this, the boys and girls and the mothers and fathers (caretakers/supervisors) too are so excited. This kind of outreach sometimes is of great support to our residents here.”

On Monday, SPC and Team Jiva hand over some dry rations to Mercy Home in Nongthymmai since the inmates have stopped taking food from outside the Home after the onset of the pandemic

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Meghalaya CM Sangma tests positive for Covid-19, self-isolates

Shillong Today

Shillong, Jan 21: Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday  tested positive for coronavirus disease.

Informing this in his twitter handle , Sangma said “All those who came into contact with me last few days are requested to observe their symptoms and test if necessary”.

 

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Golden Jubilee celebration: Narendra Modi compliments citizens of Meghalaya for strengthening identity as people close to nature

Shillong Today

Shillong, Jan 21: Meghalaya on Friday celebrated the Golden Jubilee of its Statehood with an official function in J. N. Complex Polo.

The central function was attended by Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong, Assembly Speaker, Metbah Lyngdoh, Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma, Cabinet Ministers and other government officials.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion virtually addressed the people of the State.

In his address, Modi complimented the people of the state for further strengthening their identity as people close to the nature.

“Meghalaya has given the message of nature, progress, conservation and eco-sustainability to the world,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister saluted the contribution of the state in the fields of art and music.

He said that this land is filled with talented artists and Shillong Chamber Choir has taken it to new heights. He noted that the country has high hopes from the rich sports culture of Meghalaya.

The Prime Minister also noted the growing fame of the state in the field of organic farming.

“Sisters of Meghalaya have revived the art of bamboo weaving and its hard-working farmers are strengthening Meghalaya’s identity as organic state”, the Prime Minister said.

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma who also could not attend the function addressed the people on the virtual platform.

Sangma while addressing the citizens of Meghalaya said that in the last 50 years has been a momentous journey for all Meghalayan.

The Chief Minister also said that there is immense potential for achieving sustainable development and well-being of the people of the State.

Sangma said that his government is working systematically to take Meghalaya among the top 10 States in the country.

“Despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic, we have been able to build roads, provide tapped water supply to households, increase children’s immunization, decrease maternal and infant mortality, and build infrastructure at an unprecedented pace,” he said.

In addition to completing projects, the government is also starting a large number of new projects to mark the golden jubilee.

The foundation stone for the new administrative city at Mawpdang in the New Shillong township was also laid virtually by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong.

Sangma said that the city will be developed over the next decade into a futuristic smart city which will drive the growth of the State.

The Chief Minister said that large road projects like the Umsning- Jagi Road and the Nongstoin -Maweit road will also be initiated. Construction of internal roads in the towns of Tura, Williamnagar, Jowai and Nongstoin will be started.

The iconic Shillong peak ropeway project and world class indoor stadium in the fifth ground of the JN complex at Polo will also be started this year.

The Meghalaya Day Awards were also conferred on the occasion.

Benedict Hynniewta was conferred the U Tirot Sing award for his contribution in the field of Arts and Culture, the Pa Togan Sangma award went to Father Charles Ch Sangma for his contribution in the field of Social Service and the U Kiang Nongbah award for contribution in the field of Sports was given to Halen Nongtdu.

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