Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sep 1: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has informed that the government is setting up 50 new hatcheries to increase the fish production in the state.

"Setting up 50 new hatcheries is in the process. We are trying to increase the fish production in view that the demand is huge," Sangma said.

He said of these, 9 hatcheries have already been made functional and 41 will be made functional very soon.

He said that Meghalaya is facing a shortage of close to 12,000 metric tons of fish, which is around Rs 250 crore.

He said there was a time when Meghalaya was importing almost 75 per cent of fish from outside the state. “Today after all the interventions, two-thirds of the fish is being produced in the state. It takes time for us to do it on a larger scale but things are moving in the right direction,” Sangma added.

The chief minister also informed that apart from providing training to improve fish production, the government is also providing seeds upto 5 million.

Around Rs 67 to 72 crore has been spent by the government for improving the fish production during the last two to four years.

Meanwhile, the chief minister also announced the government’s decision to regulate fishing competition in the state.

“We are in the process of regulating. We are preparing the guidelines and we will be consulting the stakeholders (on the matter),” he said.

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sep 1: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong has informed that investigation has been completed into the alleged attack by BSF personnel on a family at Kuliang, East Jaintia Hills District.

"The investigation is completed and is ready to be chargesheeted," Tynsong said.

He informed that following the incident, a case was registered at Khliehriat Woman Police Station with charges filed under section 457, 236, 354, 384 and 34 Indian Penal Code, read with Sections 7 and 8 of the POCSO Act.

He said that on the same day on June 20, 2024, the complainant and the victims were examined, and their statements were recorded, and all necessary steps such as medical examinations, visit to place of occurrences and collecting of evidence were done as per the law.

On June 20, an FIR was lodged by Martina Poshna at Kuliang village, East Jaintia Hills that on the night of June 19, at approximately 11.30pm, 3 individuals claiming to be BSF personnel forcefully entered her home.

These individuals were armed with dangerous weapons, including a gun and a dao, and were dressed in civilian clothing. They broke into the house and upon entering, the assailants attacked Shanroi Lyngdoh, they also took an axe from the house and attempted to use it against the family.

Despite the efforts of Martina Pohshna and her 15-year-old daughter to disarm the attackers they were overpowered. The assailants continued to beat Lyngdoh severely, resulting in a broken rib.

Thereafter, at around 12.30 am, the same individuals returned with a larger group of more than 15 people and resumed their brutal assault on Shanroi Lyngdoh.

During the second attack, they forcibly took the phone from the complainant's 15-year-old daughter and allegedly abused her. When Martina Pohshna attempted to protect her daughter, she too was assaulted. The attackers further threatened the family with firearms and warned them of future harm.

Staff Reporter

Shillong, April 18: The stage is set for tomorrow’s crucial Lok Sabha elections for the two seats in Meghalaya – Shillong parliamentary constituency and Tura parliamentary constituency with six and four candidates respectively in the fray.

Polling will start from 7 am to 4 pm on April 19.

22,26,567 voters of which 10,99,517 are males, 11,27,047 are females and 3 are third gender – will exercise their franchise in 3512 polling stations, to elect their new leaders to represent them from the two constituencies in the parliament.

“We are geared up for the polling tomorrow,” chief electoral officer (CEO) Dr BDR Tiwari told reporters today.

He informed that a total of 40 companies of central armed police force (CAPF) have been deployed to ensure free, fair and peaceful conduct of polls.  Of these, 26 are CRPF – 6 BSF – 4 SSB and 4 RPF.

“We are confident the elections will be held in a peaceful manner,” Tiwari added.

According to him, 14048 polling personnel have been deployed to all 3512 polling stations across the two parliamentary constituencies.

The CEO said there are 31,247 first time voters, 11,720 - PWD voters,  85+ voters - 10,180, overseas voters – 5, 100+ voters – 341, service voters - 3,884, 18-19 voters - 84,412, 20-29 voters - 7,17,416.

Of 3512 polling stations, 3186 are in rural and 326 urban. A total of 88 are all women managed polling stations, 60 – model polling stations, 10 – PwD managed polling stations besides 1886 webcasting in polling stations, 50 are non-motorable polling stations and 762 are P2 polling stations.

Stating that there are 133 polling stations under mobile shadow zone, Tiwari said there are 409 vulnerable polling stations and 29 critical polling stations adding there are 187 polling stations along inter-state border with Assam and 147 along international border with Bangladesh.

In Shillong parliamentary constituency, the polling station with the highest voters is 17-Nongspung in 33-Rambrai Jyrngam (1274 voters) and the polling station with the lowest voters is 82-Kamsing in Amlarem and 56-Photeitsim in Ranikor with 36 voters each.

In Tura parliamentary constituency, the polling station with the highest voters is 12-Chandmary in North Tura (1324 voters) and the polling station with the lowest voters is 53-Narigre in Williamnagar (85 voters).

Tiwari said that the constituency with the largest size of electors is Mawlai with 50953 and Dalu is with the smallest size of electors at 22398.

The Elector Gender Ratio was 1021  in 2019 and 1025 in 2024 while Elector Population (EP) Ratio was 524 in 2019 and 649 in 2024

The polling percentage in the last 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Meghalaya was at 71.42 per cent of which Shillong at 65.48 per cent and Tura at 81.38 per cent. In 2023 Assembly election, the polling percentage was at 86.81 per cent.

Further, the CEO informed that 22,26,567 Voter Information Slips (VIS) have been distributed to all Electors by Booth Level Officers which should be carried along with EPIC on polling day adding that 2030 Accessible Voter Information Slips with Braille Features has also been distributed to electors with Visual Impairment. Voter guides to 4,59,573 households.

He said home voting optional facility offered to 21900 eligible electors (10180-Senior Citizens, 11720-PwDs) out of which 4619 (2387 Senior Citizens + 2232 PwD) electors have voted from home.

Election Duty Certificates have been provided to Govt. officers and staff on ‘election duty’ who will cast their vote on the EVM at Polling Stations where they are deployed on polling day.

When asked, the CEO said, “So far we have taken all the necessary measures and no proxy voting to be there in Lok Sabha. So whoever is the voter in our state they will vote in our state and all the necessary steps have already been ensured accordingly.”

Staff Reporter

Shillong, July 20: The National People’s Party (NPP) will soon decide on the official candidate for the Shillong parliamentary seat for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

“I think by the last week of August or by September, we will be able to tell you who will be our candidate (for the Shillong seat,” NPP leader and deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar told reporters yesterday.

He said the party already has its sitting MP Agatha Sangma from the Tura parliamentary seat. “Now, we have to decide and take a call only for the Shillong seat.”

Dhar informed that as many as 20 aspiring candidates have approached the NPP for a ticket from the Shillong seat.

He however refused to reveal the names and said, “But all are good ones”

Dhar said that the NPP will also seek the support of the MDA coalition partners.

“Obviously, we will set up our own candidates. We will request all coalition partners to support us. That is the rule in politics. There is no harm in requesting friends to support us,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dhar said that the party is also gearing up its preparation for the upcoming elections to the KHADC and JHADC.

“If VPP is claiming, we will also claim that we are sweeping in all constituencies. NPP will claim, VPP will claim, UDP will claim but ultimately voters are the ones who will decide,” he said.

Staff Reporter

Shillong, June 16: The state authorities are in the process of identifying landslide-prone areas to mitigate the impact of a natural disaster during the monsoon season.

Executive Director of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) Matsiewdor War Nongbri told reporters today that a meeting with the Geological Survey of India has discussed the need to have an early warning system on landslides.

“We are looking at ensuring that we have an early warning system in terms of landslides. It does take a lot of time (to develop the system). As discussed with the GSI officials, a lot of research and a lot of data has to be put in place,” she said.

Nongbri also informed that the SDMA are in the process of identifying vulnerable areas which are prone to landslides.

She said landslides have occurred across the state during the past 9 days and of these, the most affected areas are the Sonapur tunnel along the National Highway-6 in East Jaintia Hills District and Rngain area along the NH-40 Shillong-Dawki road in East Khasi Hills District.

“Till yesterday, they were in the process of clearing the debris. We have not received information as to whether the debris has been cleared or not,” she added.

Regarding old and precarious trees which are posing danger to life and property, the executive director said that the districts are on the job to ensure such trees are identified adding “The deputy commissioners are well aware of this and they will take necessary steps and inform us accordingly as and when it is required.”

Staff Reporter

Shillong, June 16: The opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) today asked the state government to ensure all recruitment processes in the police department are fair and just without compromising on merit.

In a letter to the Deputy Chief Minister-in-charge Home of (Police) Prestone Tynsong, VPP general secretary Dr Ricky AJ Syngkon has drawn the attention of the government to the police recruitment conducted by the Central Recruitment Board Meghalaya, Shillong on March 6, 2022 for the post of Driver Constables under Khasi/Jaintia Category.

“It was brought to our notice that a candidate named Alwist Maring bearing roll No 27002167 and hailing from 16-Ri Bhoi District had secured higher marks but to his surprise, he was not called for the interview whereas some other candidates who had secured much lesser marks were called to appear at the interview,” Dr Syngkon said.

“In the light of the above case, we request you to kindly look into this matter and the possibility of similar and related issues in other cases too. Necessary action from your end to ensure that all the recruitment process in the concerned department is fair and just without compromising on merit,” he also stated in the letter.

Staff Reporter

Shillong, June 3: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong, Umsawli, proudly unveiled the U Tirot Sing Student Residence during a grand inauguration ceremony. The newly constructed student residence was dedicated to the students by Shishir K. Bajoria, Chairman of the Board of Governors at IIM Shillong. The event was graced by  Atul C. Kulkarni, Chairman of the Building and Works Committee and Member of the BoG, and Prof. D. P. Goyal, Director IIM Shillong.

Bajoria, Chairman BoG, mentioned that the student residences were named after the legendary freedom fighter of Meghalaya, U Tirot Sing, to honour his contributions and ensure that students from all over India and other countries become aware of the heroic legacy of Meghalaya. This initiative aims to inspire and motivate the students residing in the residences.

Speaking on the occasion, Atul Kulkarni, Member of the Board of Governors, expressed his gratitude to all the stakeholders who played a significant role in bringing the U Tirot Sing Student Residence project to its completion with state-of-the-art amenities. He extended his heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved, including the construction team, project management consultants, and all others who contributed to this remarkable achievement.

Kulkarni emphasised the importance of providing top-notch infrastructure and facilities to students, enabling them to thrive academically and personally. He highlighted that the serene environment created by the U Tirot Sing Student Residence would offer an ideal setting for students to focus on their studies.

Kulkarni also stressed the significance of recognising and honouring the legendary freedom fighter, U Tirot Sing, by naming the student residence after him. By doing so, the institute not only pays tribute to a great historical figure but also fosters a sense of pride and inspiration among the students.

During the inauguration ceremony, Prof D P Goyal, Director of IIM Shillong, addressed the audience mentioned that with the addition of U Tirot Sing residences, IIM Shillong Umsawli campus can accommodate more students than before and emphasized that the institute's focus on sustainability extended beyond just the student residence. The entire infrastructure of IIM Shillong Umsawli has been designed with sustainability in mind. This approach reflects the institute's commitment to creating a sustainable campus that promotes eco-consciousness and responsible living.

The Director highlighted that sustainable infrastructure is essential in today's world to mitigate the environmental impact and preserve our planet for future generations. Prof Goyal expressed his appreciation for the architects, engineers, and all the stakeholders involved in bringing the sustainable infrastructure vision to life and reaffirmed IIM Shillong's commitment to creating a sustainable campus that serves as a role model for other institutions. The four-storeyed U Tirot Sing Student Residence comprises three blocks and a central common facility, providing a total of 216 single occupancy rooms. The construction of this state-of-the-art facility was completed within a span of two years. M/s RITES Ltd, the Project Management Consultant, and M/s Som Projects, the contractor, played integral roles in bringing this project to fruition.

This inauguration marks another milestone in the journey of IIM Shillong, as it continues to provide quality education and promote the spirit of excellence among its students. The institute remains dedicated to nurturing future leaders and empowering them to contribute to society.

Staff Reporter

Shillong, May 9: Laban Bengalee Boys’ Higher Secondary School, Shillong bagged the top positions in the Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) examinations in the science and commerce streams respectively.

The results were declared by the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) here today.

Arnab Dutta bagged the first position in the science stream by securing 483 marks while Rishab Purkayastha secured the first position in the commerce stream with 484 marks.

The second position in the science stream was bagged by Steffi Niza W Snaitang of St Edmund’s Higher Secondary School, Shillong and the third position by Eshita Bhattacharjee of St Anthony’s Higher Secondary School, Shillong while the second place in the commerce stream went to Akshat Poddar of St Anthony’s Higher Secondary School and the third position was shared by Satakshi Das and Senha Paul, both from St Anthony’s Higher Secondary School.

The other students who featured in the top-10 list of science include Subam Das of Laban Bengalee Boys’ Hr Sec School (4th), Soumitra Jha of St Anthony’s (5th), Rahul Das of RK Mission Hr Sec School (6th), Sargam Datta and Sharmin Khongsit of St Anthony’s (7th), Sangam Paul of St Anthony’s (8th), Biswadeep Nath of St Anthony’s (9th) and Samjanai Synnah of St Anthony’s (10th).

Those in the commerce stream include: Akshat Das of Laban Bengalee Boys Hr Sec School secured the 4th position, Deepak Sethia of St Anthony’s (5th), Nengneiching of St Anthony’s (6th), Phibalamti Marwein of St Anthony’s (7th), Nangkhraw Laloo of Mawsynram Border Area Hr Sec School, Mawsynram (8th), Kashish Sharma of St Anthony’s, Eleazer Lytep of St Edmund’s and Rakhi Kumari of Alpha English Hr Secondary School, Nongpoh (9th) and Daiairi Nongrem of Anderson Hr Secondary School, Upper New Nongstoin bagged the 10th position.

The pass percentage in the science stream was recorded at 78.84 per cent while in the commerce stream, it was 79.31 per cent.

District-wise, South West Garo Hills registered the highest pass percentage with 90 per cent in the science stream followed by West Khasi Hills District with 85.4 per cent while the lowest is East Jaintia Hills District with 51 per cent.

In the commerce stream, the district with the highest pass percentage is East Garo Hills with 95.71 per cent followed by East Jaintia Hills at 93.33 per cent while North Garo Hills is the lowest with 42 per cent.

Commending the students, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma tweeted, “Congratulations to our toppers and all our meritorious students who passed the #HSSLC (Science & Commerce) examinations. May this remarkable achievement motivate them to find more success in the future. God Bless.”

Staff Reporter

Shillong, May 7: The North East Students' Organization (NESO) and All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) have jointly with the home department and district administration safely dropped around 240 students at the Imphal airport.

Students from CAU, RIMS, NIT, MU and other institutes belonged to Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura, Assam, Orissa, Kashmir and other states, NESO assistant secretary general Wangjam Sanatomba Meitei said in a statement.

He said NESO urged students to return to the state after normalcy is restored for their further studies.

"NESO appeals to the students not to spread false news about Manipur and NESO and AMSU is working hard to bring peace in the state," Wangjam added.

Guwahati, May 7 (IANS): A doctor couple has been arrested by police in Guwahati on the charges of abusing a 4-year-old girl child who was allegedly adopted by them, officials said on Sunday.

Sangeeta Baruah, a psychiatrist, was arrested by the police last night from a house in Meghalaya's Ri Bhoi district where she was supposedly hiding to avert an arrest. Her husband, Walliul Islam, a gastrointestinal and advanced general surgeon, was caught by the police earlier from their residence located at the Manipuri Basti area in the city.

Police have also arrested their domestic help Lakshmi for allegedly being involved in the minor abuse case.

The incident came to light when a neighbour of the doctor couple approached the police on Friday with a photo of the minor girl tied to a pole on the terrace amid the scorching heat.

A child right activist Miguel Das Queah said that there were earlier complaints too about the doctor couple abusing their adopted daughter, however, there was no proof until the neighbour got the pictures of the minor tied to the pole on the terrace.

A police officer said as per initial interrogation, Baruah had beaten the minor with a hot iron rod and even poured hot water on her body.

According to police, the domestic help confessed during the interrogation that she was asked to tie the minor on the terrace as a punishment because the child was 'disobedient' and 'naughty'.

The police have been interrogating the matter.

Meanwhile, several sections including attempt to murder (307), voluntarily causing grievous hurt (325), wrongful restraint, etc were slapped on the doctor couple.