Meghalaya Govt urges HNLC not to pull out of peace talks

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 5: Spokesperson of the MDA government and cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh today appealed to the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) not to pull out of the ongoing peace talks.

Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh said the government has only seen the HNLC’s statement conveying its decision to withdraw from the tripartite peace talks in media reports but officially nothing has been communicated to the government as yet.

“So first, I would appeal to the HNLC not to pull out of the peace talks because a lot of grounds have been covered initially and we would hope that good sense will prevail and we should be able to return to the negotiating table,” he said.

Asked, Lyngdoh said he will not be in a position to say much on the issue since both the chief minister Conrad K Sangma and deputy chief minister in-charge home (police) Prestone Tynsong are presently out of the station.

“But certainly, the government will take a call on the matter and it should be happening very soon once the CM is back,” he added.

He further assured that the matter will be taken priority once the CM and deputy CM in charge home are in town.

On the HNLC’s demand for a general amnesty, Lyngdoh said, “Well, it certainly can be considered depending on the gravity of each of the cases registered but certainly yes, it should be and it will be considered.”

Referring to the NIA cases against the outfit, the spokesperson said, “See those are matters of details but in general the approach should be when you have peace talks it should not be to the detriment of any section and to the interest of only one section so it has to be reciprocal.”

“Based on the principle of reciprocity then only we can take a stand on matters of details but the general approach would be that has to be give and take,” he asserted.

Meghalaya BJP open to Mukul joining its fold

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Nov 27: BJP state president Rikman G Momin today said former chief minister Mukul Sangma is welcome to join the party any time.

Momin said he is not aware of Sangma’s meeting with the leadership of the party. He also added that he doesn’t mind approaching the former chief minister.

“Anyone can join the BJP, the door is open. It would be a great pleasure if he (Mukul) would come and join the party,” he said.

Over one lakh tourists expected at Meghalaya Cherry Blossom Festival

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Oct 13: Over one lakh tourists are expected to participate in the upcoming three-day Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival to be held at RBDSA Sports Complex from November 17 to 19.

Informing this here today, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh said, “We are expecting huge benefits for the tourism industry in the state through this festival.”

“There will be a footfall of 30,000 visitors per day which means that by the end of the event, we would have one lakh visitors. Ninety per cent of these visitors are expected to be tourists from outside both domestic as well as international travellers,” he said. 

Lyngdoh also informed that the government of Meghalaya is investing a sum of Rs 1.99 crore out of the total investment of Rs 9 crore for the most vibrant and most known tourism festival of Meghalaya.

Stating that the festival will to a great extent benefit the local artists and performers of the state, Lyngdoh said, “Our local band and solo performers will be sharing and rubbing shoulders with the best in the world.” 

The headliner line-up for the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 includes internationally acclaimed sensations such as Ne-Yo, Ronan Keating, Sanam, Jonas Blue, SURL, Pink Panda, Kenny Musik and an array of local talents, including Meba Ofilia, Lou Majaw, Blue Temptation, and many more credible artists from Shillong and Northeast India.

Ne-Yo, the Grammy Award-winning R&B artist known for his chart-topping hits, and Ronan Keating, the iconic voice behind timeless classics, will ensure that the musical experience is nothing short of a magical experience. Sanam, the YouTube sensation and heartthrob, will steal hearts with his melodious tunes, while Jonas Blue and Pink Panda will keep the energy scaring with their electrifying performances. The local artists will add their distinctive flavours, creating a harmonious blend of musical talent that is unique to the essence of Shillong.

But the festival doesn’t stop at music! It has a wide range of activities to cater to all interests. From cosplay competitions that celebrate the spirit of fantasy and imagination to the Miss and Mr. Cherry Blossom Pageant where the essence of beauty and grace will be recognized. The choir contest will fill the air with harmonious melodies, and the graffiti contest and art installation contest will transform the festival grounds into an open-air art gallery. If you’ve got a passion for singing, don’t miss the karaoke contest.

For the thrill-seekers, there’s the Ferris wheel to get a breathtaking view of the festival grounds and the city. And if you crave an adrenaline rush, try the zipline, which will send you soaring through the festival atmosphere creating an unforgettable experience like never before.

The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of culture, art, and music that is unparalleled in the Northeast of India. With its new multi-stage layout at the RBDSA Sports Complex, this year’s festival promises to be bigger, better, and more unforgettable than ever before.