Meghalaya NPP yet to decide on candidate for Lok Sabha poll

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.

Meghalaya Authorities identifying landslide prone areas

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.”

Meghalaya VPP demands merit based recruitment

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.

IIM-Shillong unveils U Tirot Sing Student Residence

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.

Meghalaya’s Laban Bengalee Boys’ HS School shines in HSSLC examination

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.”

NESO helps drop around 240 students to Imphal airport

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.

Assam doctor couple charged with abusing adopted daughter ; Wife picked up from Ri Bhoi district

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.

HITO tells ACHIK to not mislead people on roster system

Staff Reporter

Shillong, May 1: Taking a strong stance against a recent demand made by the A•chik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK), the Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) has cautioned the former against misleading the indigenous tribal people of Meghalaya on the issue of the roster system.

It may be noted here that the ACHIK had demand a stop employing non-Garos for seats and jobs designated for Garos which has not gone down well with the HITO.

Speaking to media persons, president of HITO, Donbok Dkhar urged the ACHIK to do proper research and consultation with legal experts before submitting such a letter or demands to respective departments so that it will not bring any confusion and misunderstanding among the Khasi-Jaintia and Garo community.

Dkhar said that the letter sent by the ACHIK to the urban affairs department for immediate repealing of appointment process of non-Garo’s candidates in place of Garo candidates indicates that the organization tries to mislead the people of both communities and trying to flare up the situation through this ongoing matter.

“As per the information received by the HITO, it is learnt that since 2016 there are 16 vacancies in the department and out of this 10 were filled up by Khasi, 4 Garo and 2 by other communities as it was left vacant due to retirement of earlier employees” said Dkhar.

Dkhar urged the ACHIK to not do anything which is provocative but allow the state government to do its work in the matter and it also urged the government to see that no organization misled the people of both communities on the roster system.

Meghalaya Govt examining HC order to find land for new airport

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 30: Minister in charge of Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar has informed that the government is examining the order of the Meghalaya High Court to identify land for the new greenfield airport project.

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Dhar told reporters that a meeting was also convened by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma last week to discuss the matter.

“Very soon, we will take a call on that since a huge amount of money is involved and it is not easy for us,” he said.

The minister also informed that the government is also examining whether to go ahead with the expansion of the Umroi airport. Resurvey of the old airport by the third or fourth party will be conducted and once the report is received, the government will take a call on this regard as well, he added.

On March 28, the Meghalaya High Court had asked the state government to attempt to identify a few pockets of land for a greenfield airport project.

“Since the State says that it is eager to have its own airport with adequate facilities, the State, in consultation with AAI or even the officials stationed at the Umroi airport, should attempt to identify a few pockets of land and, thereupon, AAI may be invited to give a preliminary opinion as to whether any of such pockets would be feasible for a greenfield airport project,” the division bench had said in its order while hearing a PIL on the matter.

“It is only upon the preliminary satisfaction that one of the several pockets identified would be feasible that the acquisition activity may be undertaken by the State. And yes, such exercise has to be conducted discreetly to avoid the burgeoning of middlemen to artificially jack up land prices,” it had added.

The bench however said if both the State and the Union are reluctant to set up a new airport, it is not a matter that the Court can interfere with or impose its will.

This is because any new project would require a cost-benefit analysis to be made and however strong the perception may be that a new airport may give a fillip to the State or its development, the numbers have to be worked out on paper and the Court obviously lacks the expertise in such regard.

It had said that what remains the Court’s concern, however, is that only relevant considerations should be taken into account in preparing a cost-benefit analysis for setting up a new airport closer to Shillong than the Guwahati airport.

“The decision in such regard should not be tinged with extraneous considerations as to the prejudice that any private operator handling any nearby airport may suffer as a consequence,” it added.

As of now ATRs and Bombardiers and like smaller aircraft can land at the existing facility and the length of the runway and the surrounding hills do not make it feasible for wide-bodied aircraft to call at Umroi.

The nearest big airport outside the State which serves the entire State of Meghalaya is at Guwahati.

The distance of about 120 km between the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport at Guwahati and

Shillong takes more than three hours to cover by road. The distance from Umroi to Shillong takes about half an hour.

Given that Meghalaya is a hilly State, but it has also large tracts of plains, the closest place to Shillong that can have a bigger airport appears, possibly, to be in the Ri-Bhoi district or in the West Khasi Hills.

Upon previous preliminary and somewhat firm reports from the Airports Authority of India indicate that Umroi may not be the ideal location for expansion of the airport to receive bigger aircraft, since the runway and the flight path have to be extended by felling hills at high cost and the cloud and fog that engulf the airport and its surroundings, particularly in the monsoon, this Court suggested to the State to explore whether the land was available for a greenfield airport project to be started.

The AAI said that it is the responsibility of a State desirous of having an airport at any location to provide the land to AAI and the entire cost of building the airport and all the facilities connected therewith is taken over by AAI.

In this state, since very little land is owned by the State government and most of the land belongs to the tribes which inhabit the State, an effort was made by the State towards the middle and end of the last year to invite offers from landowners for selling land for the proposed new airport.

Pursuant to advertisements issued, only one major offer came and the pre-feasibility study conducted by AAI indicated that the cost would be too high to level the land for the construction of a runway since the difference in height from the lowest point in the relevant land to the highest was about 180 metre.

AAI suggested that instead of the State seeking offers from landowners to sell their land for the project, the State and the AAI could jointly identify certain pockets where it may be feasible to put up a new airport to receive wide-bodied aircraft.

Feasibility studies could be conducted at two or three places to identify one or two of the proposed sites for the State to thereafter acquire the requisite land and make it over to AAI.

Meghalaya Cabinet Minister A.L Hek discusses State development at Delhi

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 15: BJP leader and Cabinet Minister Alexander Laloo Hek met Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology of India Jitendra Singh at his residence and discussed the all-round development of the state of Meghalaya.

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Hek also met Union Minister of Tourism and DONER Kishan Reddy at his office chamber in New Delhi and discussed the need to promote the eco-tourism cum fish sanctuary in Meghalaya and also to promote model rural tourism village cluster development which will create employment and will attract tourism in the rural areas at the village level and also to promote health tourism through traditional Medicines

Meanwhile, Hek also met the BJP national general secretary (organization) BL Santosh and discussed the party organization in Meghalaya and also preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha election.