2025 – Page 4 – Shillong Today News

Unbeaten Titans Nongkseh and Shillong Lajong Set for Explosive SSA Champions Cup 2025 Final

Unbeaten Titans Nongkseh and Shillong Lajong Set for Explosive SSA Champions Cup 2025 Final

BY-Admin 2025-12-12

Meghalaya CM hands over periodic land documents to 754 households in Tura SHILLONG, DEC 12: Eight localities in Tura town, comprising 754 households, were overwhelmed with tears of joy today as they were finally awarded periodic lease documents for the land they had been living on for years. These families have long resided on encroached government land, facing uncertainty and difficulties. The documents were handed over by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma in the presence of Cabinet Minister Marcuise N. Marak. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma recalled the long-standing concerns of these communities and said, “Whenever our leader P.A. Sangma visited the localities in Tura, people would come to him with their concerns about living on government land and the various problems they faced. Most of these localities had no approach roads, no electricity, no water supply. They also struggled to obtain caste certificates, birth certificates, and other essential documents. Years later, when I contested the election in Tura, people from these same localities brought up the same concerns. So I decided to take this issue up. It was difficult, but with concerted effort, we have managed to find a solution.” At today’s handing-over ceremony, 452 bighas of land were provided to the public under periodic lease documents. The Chief Minister became emotional as he recalled the efforts of P.A. Sangma. “P.A. Sangma tried to resolve this issue. It was long pending… He would always say, ‘Who are these people living on government land? They are our people, and we must help them.” Conrad paused, fumbling for words, with tears in his eyes. Despite the emotions, the joy of resolving one of the most critical issues of Tura town was evident. He added, “He (Purno) told me that if God gives you the opportunity, you must endeavour to resolve the problems of our people. P.A. Sangma always shared with us his vision for the people, the public and the community, and taught us to put people first.” Reflecting on the decision, he said, “…Being in public life is about serving the people. This was a very difficult decision, not a simple one - but because of the vision and principles of P.A. Sangma, we were able to take it forward and resolve the issue.” The Chief Minister also clarified that the decision was not politically motivated. “I could have taken this decision just before the election, but our intention was to genuinely serve the people and provide relief.” He urged the localities to accept the land documents and comply with the instalment payments. “I am not forcing anyone to accept it. As long as Conrad is in the chair, we will not evict anyone. But I worry about what will happen after me. So, when such an opportunity is given, people should take advantage of it.” He informed the public that the land documents are renewable and that the lease amount has been fixed at a nominal rate. He also announced that church land and graveyards will be exempted, and directed the Deputy Commissioner to follow due procedures for allotting land to the respective localities. The Settlement of Government Land under Tura Town Area, West Garo Hills District was initiated during the year 2023-2024. The cabinet meeting which was held on 26th November 2025 had approved the settlement of Government Land under Tura town area, West Garo hills district at 8 localities to the 754 households measuring a total of 149.5 acres or 452 Bighas. The map of the 8 localities where land settlement had been undertaken was prepared through a joint survey conducted by the Revenue Branch, Deputy Commissioner Office, Tura, District Urban Planner, District Urban Affairs Unit, Tura and DPMU-West Garo Hills, MBMA. The eight localities are – Dakopgre Ronggi Songgital, ITI Upper Matchakolgre, Meghalaya Survey School locality, Sepoy Colony DC office locality, Deringgagre locality, Chinap Aslang locality and Nikwatgre locality. As per phase one of the land settlement, the 8 localities having an area of 211.5 Bighas are given a lease from the Deputy Commissioner (Revenue), West Garo Hills on behalf of the State government. The lease agreement between the household and the Govt. will be for a period of 30 years. The maximum area of land to be allotted to per household/family will be 0.69 Bighas or 10,000 sq.ft. Every household for the lease land may be paid certain fixed/calculated amount annually to the Govt. as land tax (Rs. 2,000 per bighas) (reference taken from the settlement done in Williamnagar at Balsri Gittim and Warima Locality in the year 2022). Every household/families will pay fixed settlement amount/one time settlement amount which will be allowed to pay maximum in 3(three) instalments.

Meghalaya CM hands over periodic land documents to 754 households in Tura

BY-Admin 2025-12-12

Shillong–Dawki Road Project to Boost Trade, Tourism: Sanbor Shullai

Shullai Urges Community to Honor Freedom Fighters’ Legacy

BY-Admin 2025-12-12

SHILLONG, DEC 12: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday announced that the story of Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma will be properly scripted for plays and dramas to be used in schools and colleges. This initiative aims to encourage the younger generation to connect with the stories of their forefathers. He expressed delight that a short play on Pa Togan had already been prepared. Announcing the government’s new initiative, he said, “We will encourage schools and colleges to organise plays and dramas on the lives of Meghalaya’s freedom fighters. A detailed script on Pa Togan’s life will be prepared and shared with educational institutions so that students can enact his story. This will help create awareness and inspire our youth to stay connected with their roots.” He made these remarks while attending the 153rd Death Anniversary of Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma at Togan Park, Chisobibra, Williamnagar, East Garo Hills. The solemn programme paid tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and immortal legacy of the revered Garo freedom fighter whose life continues to inspire generations. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said that the 153rd Death Anniversary of Pa Togan serves as an important reminder of the heroic deeds and sacrifices made for the Garo community and the nation. He said, “Pa Togan stood up against the British Empire and sacrificed his life for the nation. His bravery was born out of deep love for his land and his people. As A’chik, we should be proud of Pa Togan. He fought to protect our land, our identity and our freedom. Our youth must be told about his deeds, his values and the ideologies he stood for.” The Chief Minister stressed that the past carries the legacy of a people, and it is the responsibility of every generation to pass it on. “Our past reminds us of who we are, and we must continue reminding our future generation, especially the youth, about stories like that of Pa Togan. They must grow up knowing the heroes who shaped our land.” He assured that the Government would continue to support the Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma Memorial Association in organising the annual commemoration. He also informed that under the World Tourism Day Community-led Tourism Fund and the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF), the government has funded close to ₹17 lakh for infrastructure development at Chisobibra and will soon release an additional ₹20 lakh to further improve the site. Cabinet Minister Marcuise N. Marak expressed admiration for Pa Togan’s courage. He said that Pa Togan’s sacrifice is a shining example of patriotism, leadership and unity, and emphasised the importance of preserving historical narratives that strengthen community pride. He also thanked the organisers and the community for carrying forward the legacy of the warrior hero year after year. “Heroic Story of Pa Togan Sangma” The year was 1872. The forests of Rongrenggre whispered with urgency. Rumours had spread that British troops were marching into Garo Hills, seizing land and demanding submission. But in the heart of the dense forest stood a young leader whose courage was larger than the might of the empire, Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma. Togan rallied his warriors near a giant cotton tree. He held not guns, but shields made of banana stems, a symbol that courage does not come from weapons, but from the spirit of a people who refuse to bow. “Chakatbo!” he called to his men. “The land we stand on is not just soil; it is the pride of our forefathers. Today we fight not for ourselves, but for every A’chik child yet to be born. As the British army advanced with rifles and bayonets, Togan and his warriors charged with battle cries that echoed across the hills. The clash was fierce. Outnumbered and out-armed, the A’chik warriors fought with unmatched spirit. Pa Togan fought at the front, shielding his men and striking with unyielding determination. Even when he was surrounded, his voice rose across the battlefield: “A’chik janggi ong∙na! Our land must live!” He fell that day, but not in defeat. His sacrifice ignited a fire that still burns in the hearts of the Garo people. His courage became a legend, his name a symbol of defiance, a reminder that freedom is earned by those who fear nothing except losing their identity.

Pa Togan Sangma’s story to be preserved through theatre and drama in Meghalaya

BY-Admin 2025-12-12

Seven months, no wages. Asha workers give govt deadline: Dec 19.

Seven months, no wages. Asha workers give govt deadline: Dec 19.

BY-Admin 2025-12-11

Bah Nicholas Kharkamni Honoured as “Go Eco Green Ambassador” at Winter Tales Festival

Bah Nicholas Kharkamni Honoured as “Go Eco Green Ambassador” at Winter Tales Festival

BY-Admin 2025-12-11

AMKA Shines at National Kickboxing Championship in Bhubaneswar, Wins 124 Medals for Meghalaya

AMKA Shines at National Kickboxing Championship in Bhubaneswar, Wins 124 Medals for Meghalaya

BY-Admin 2025-12-11

KSU Intensifies Anti-CAA Agitation; Renews Strong Push for ILP in Meghalaya

KSU Intensifies Anti-CAA Agitation; Renews Strong Push for ILP in Meghalaya

BY-Admin 2025-12-11

Court remands Kenedy Khongsit to 8-day police custody in child murder case

Ghanaian Man Travelling on Fake Identity Arrested in West Jaintia Hills

BY-Admin 2025-12-11

Iconic Mawkhanu Stadium Set to Transform Football Landscape in Meghalaya: CM

Iconic Mawkhanu Stadium Set to Transform Football Landscape in Meghalaya: CM

BY-Admin 2025-12-11

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