HYC demand removal of Meghalaya police job advertisement

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 15: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has demanded the state government to withdraw the advertisement published recently for filling up the various vacancies in the Meghalaya police citing that the decision to reduce the age limit of the candidates is not acceptable.

In a letter to the chief minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday, HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem said, “Therefore, we urged upon you to take necessary steps to withdraw the said advertisement and re-advertise by enhancing the upper age limit which is at par with other States in India for candidates belonging to STS/SCs categories keeping in mind the facts and circumstances stated above.”

He said as per the advertisement published by the office of the Inspector General of Police (R/PR)-Cum- Chairman, Central Recruitment Board on March 6, the age criteria for the posts of UB Constable/Fireman/Driver Fireman/ Fireman Mechanic/MPRO Operator/Signal Operator/ AB Constable/ Battalion Constable/ MPRO GD/ Constable Handyman and Driver Constable, is 18-21 Years of age with 5 years relaxations for ST/SC candidates.

“These changes in the age limit of the candidates for applying the above-mentioned posts by reducing the applicable age to 21 years plus 5 years relaxation that is to 26 years maximum age limit is not a welcome step and is affecting majority of the youths of the State who are still unemployed due to various unforeseen events,” Synrem said.

“When other States in the country are keeping the upper age limit to be above 30 years of age for STs/SCs candidates, we fail to understand the reason as to how our government in a State with the majority of the citizens belonging to ST categories is putting such a restriction for applying the above mentioned posts,” he added.

Further, he said that “also as a State and the country as a whole we have lost a good 2-3 years of recruitment process due to Covid-19 and other unforeseen events and these facts should have been taken into considerations before coming up with the policy of reducing the age limit at this point of time and especially when our youths have been looking forward and have prepared themselves to apply for the various posts in the Police Department.”

“Now, the question is where will these youths who are deprived of applying for the above-mentioned posts go? Do we want them to go astray and be a burden to the Society and the State as a whole? Do we let them down by bringing in rules/regulations/policies like these?” he asked.

Meghalaya Police bust HNLC sleeper cell in Nongpoh; Bids to stage more IED blasts foiled

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 12: The state police today busted an active sleeper cell of the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and foiled its attempt to explode more IEDs in Shillong and Nongpoh town.

Four persons were arrested from Ri Bhoi district. They have been identified as Damanbha Ripnar alias Shall Lapang, Robinis Ripnar, Jill Tariang and Shining Nongrum.

“A joint operation of East Khasi Hills DEF and Ri Bhoi DEF, Meghalaya police was able to foil the bid of the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) to explode another IED,” Ri Bhoi SP Jagpal Singh Dhanao said.

He said on Monday evening at about 6 pm, one Bolero Pick-up vehicle (ML-12-3243) driven by Damanbha Ripnar was detained at Umsning-Mawhati road.

On the voluntary leading of the accused Damanbha Ripnar, one IED was recovered from the above-mentioned vehicle by Bomb Detection & Disposal Squad (BDDS) from Shillong after observing all the safety protocols.

“Till filing of this report one active sleeper cell of HNLC consisting of 4 accused persons has been busted thereby foiling their attempt to explode more IEDs in Shillong and Nongpoh town,” the SP said. “It is to be mentioned that this sleeper cell was taking directions from Bangladesh based proscribed HNLC fugitives,” he added.

Police have also seized 15 gelatin sticks, 167 splinters (shrapnel inside the IED), 1 safety fuse wire, 3 numbers of non-electric detonators and 5 mobile phones during the operation.

A criminal case has been registered with the Nongpoh police station.

On Sunday, two including an HNYF leader were arrested for their involvement in the IED bomb blast at Them Iew Mawlong.

Meghalaya Police HQ to get engineering wing

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sept 12: The State Cabinet today approved the proposal for the creation of an engineering wing in the police headquarters at Shillong.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, “The police have a large number of infrastructures all over the State and hence in order to be able to allow the police department to take care of the needs of these different buildings and offices, an engineering wing was required.”

He said in the absence of an engineering wing, the department would have to follow different procedures which are very time-consuming and involve different agencies to do small things even for the repair of a bathroom or repair of a thana or a barrack.

“So all these kinds of activities that are there will now be done by the engineering wing,” he added.

Sangma also informed the government had earlier come up with a decision to sanction and keep certain funds at the discretion of the Superintendent of Police (SP) and Deputy Commissioner (DC) of every district so that they can use that money for immediate repair works at the district level so that proper infrastructure can be provided for policing.

“And this decision today will allow that decision to be implemented in a better manner and ensure whatever basic requirements that the police personnel need at the district and grassroots level those requirements can be met,” he added further.

Meghalaya Women commandos perform silent drill

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Aug 30: An event unfolded at IIM Shillong that left everyone in awe. The ‘MEGHA SHAKTI Women Commando Warriors of SF-10’ a group of courageous women from the Meghalaya Police delivered an impressive Silent Drill performance.

This showcase highlighted not only their incredible skills but also their unwavering dedication. These women serve as strong and inspirational figures, motivating others with their determination.

The event effectively achieved its intended purpose. It provided an opportunity for all to learn and experience positivity. Furthermore, it emphasized the crucial importance of supporting and empowering women. Women from the northeastern region of India, exemplified by the ‘MEGHA SHAKTI Women Commando Warriors’ are tirelessly contributing to the betterment of their communities. They are demonstrating to the world that women possess the capability to excel and lead in the realm of development.

The performances of the ‘MEGHA SHAKTI Women Commando Warriors’ particularly resonated with the students of IIM Shillong, who acknowledged the years of disciplined practice and hard work required for such displays of skill.

The Silent Drill demonstration was graced by Dr L R Bishnoi, IPS, DGP Meghalaya Police, and Prof. D P Goyal, Director of IIM Shillong. Faculty members, officers, staff, and students also attended the event.

During the occasion, Dr. Bishnoi interacted with the students of IIM Shillong, encouraging them to dedicate at least 30 minutes every day to sports. He emphasized that this practice could enhance their focus on studies, as well as contribute to their overall fitness and well-being.

Govt to address shortage of manpower in police dept

The state government has decided to complete the recruitment process to address the shortage of manpower in the police department within this year.

Informing this after chairing a meeting at the police headquarters, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong said there is not less than 3500 to 4000 shortage of manpower in the police department.

“Today, we have taken a decision right now I think we are all aware we do have the drive for appointment of different categories of police in the state of Meghalaya about 1000 plus and the personal interview is still on and it will be over in another 2-3 weeks then they will be appointed and again the next session of recruitment drive will immediately take place and we also wanted to complete the whole process of recruitment drive within this year itself,” Tynsong said.

“Once the filling up of vacancies is done I am very sure we will be able at least to overcome one of the biggest challenges that we have not only at the SP level but upto the outpost level, we have so much shortage of manpower,” he added.

According to him, the government will try its best to ensure better policing and boost the morale of the police besides maintaining the law and order in the state of Meghalaya.

Asserting the need to increase the manpower of the police department, Tynsong sad, “The police department is the biggest organization as far as government department is concerned, we have not less than 16,000 forces and now we need to increase that also and we discuss about how to create new sanctions.”

“In other states, I am telling you they have 35,000 – 40,000 manpower. Like in Manipur, they have a manpower of 26,000 whereas here we have only 16,000. Therefore, we wanted to increase the total strength of police personnel in Meghalaya,” he added.

On the infrastructure aspect, the deputy chief minister said that the Director General of Police (DGP) has been asked to send all the requirements pertaining to the issue where quite a number of police stations and SP offices do not have their own buildings.

“Of course we cannot do it in one go but in phase wise and I will try my best to get maximum sanction (for construction of) SP offices, quarters of the SP and police officers and then come down to the police stations, where some are still functioning from rented houses. We wanted to make sure we have our own buildings and offices,” he said.

Tynsong also said that the government would also construct good barracks at the police outposts including the 7 newly created outposts along the Meghalaya-Assam border.

“As far as those newly created outposts immediately we are going to construct the barrack for the functioning of these outposts in all the 7 outposts and we will also increase the manpower there,” he added.

He further informed, “I had requested DGP to prioritize it one by one as we can’t give sanction in one go but in priority basis. We will do it according to the recommendation to be made by the DGP.”

Meanwhile, Tynsong said that the meeting also discussed the functioning of the forensic laboratory in the state.

“Of course few more instruments that we need to requisition immediately and of course we do have little shortage of manpower that has also been discussed. We wanted to attend to this. See like DNA test we need to promptly get the report as you know it well when you talk about the conviction rate it is very low in absence of this test. I have requested the DG to again bring all the details to the department and we will accordingly positively respond to the requirement which is to be submitted by the office of the DGP,” he added.

Govt to advertise police recruitment soon

Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong today said the government will soon advertise another 1500 posts for recruitment in the police department.

“We are going to again advertise for another 1500 manpower which is required in the police department alone,” Tynsong told reporters.

He said the process of recruitment will start very soon and the government will ensure that such vacancies are filled up within this year itself.

Earlier, Tynsong informed that the personal interview for over 1000 plus vacant posts will be held within the next 3-4 days.

Meghalaya Police foil bid to smuggle marijuana in East Jaintia Hills

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 14: Two persons were arrested along with over 71 kgs of marijuana in the East Jaintia Hills district on 14th morning. They have been identified as Babalu Singh (56) of Kale Diara, Patna and Saranjan Mahto (39) of Bihar, district police chief Jagpal Singh Dhanoa said.

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He said a Naka was set up by the ANTF team and staff of the anti-infiltration Umtyra CP after receiving credible information that two drug suppliers are travelling in a Maruti Sx4 (As 01 AN 3312) with suspected contraband concealed in the vehicle moving from Kalain towards Khliehriat.

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Their vehicle was intercepted while it was coming from Lumshnong at 6.15 am. On a search being conducted, 117 packets of suspected contraband were found hidden under the rear bumper and backlight.

A preliminary test of the suspected contraband was conducted and showed positive results for Marijuana weighing 71.476 kgs, the SP said.

A case under the appropriate section of the NDPS Act has been registered at Khliehriat police station and an investigation is on to trace the forward and backward linkages, he added.