About Meghalaya

Governor laments rising militancy in Meghalaya

2012-01-26T16:54:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Jan 27 : Governor R.S. Mooshahary Thursday regretted that militancy was rising in Meghalaya as the scenic state celebrated Republic Day amid a shutdown called by a rebel group.

After unfurling the national flag and taking the salute at a ceremonial parade here, the governor spoke about militancy in the Garo Hills region.

“My government is determined to deal with this threat squarely and to banish the scourge of militancy from the state for good,” he said. “We need to join (hands) and be united to fight such insidious forces.”

The outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) called for a shutdown Thursday.

The HNLC, which conducts hit-and-run operations from hideouts in Bangladesh, seeks a sovereign Khasi homeland in Meghalaya’s eastern part.

Meghalaya governor's aide accused of molestation, denies charge

2012-01-25T18:42:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Jan 26 : An aide of Meghalaya Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary has been accused of molesting a teenage dancer inside his official residence, police said Monday. The aide has vehemently denied the charge.

Assam Rifles Deputy Commandant Gopa Kumar, who was deputed as ADC to the governor, allegedly molested the 19-year-old dancer of the Megha Rockers Dance group Sunday evening, A.R. Mawthoh, the police chief of the East Khasi Hills, said.

"We have received a complaint of molestation. We have registered a case and a probe is on," Mawthoh told IANS.

The ADC, however, has rubbished the allegation against him and termed it as a ploy to "tarnish" his image.

"If I want to do something, why should I call them all? It is nothing but this allegation was to tarnish my image. I will fight it in the court," he said.

A case has been registered against Kumar under section 354 of the Indian Penal Code. If proven guilty, he could be imprisoned for two years and fined.

On Sunday, Kumar invited the group, comprising four girls and five boys to come his residence to discuss a cultural programme to be held Jan 26 during the governor's reception on Republic Day.

"He (the aide) had called the girl to another room on the pretext of offering her something but instead molested her," Mawthoh said.

Kumar admitted that he had invited the dancing group to his residence but said that this was to inform them that their proposal to participate in the "Governor's At Home" Jan 26 was not considered as authorities has already finalized the cultural programme.

"They were angry with me because they were not considered for the programme and now they are making these allegation," he said.

Shillong Superintendent of Police M. Kharkrang said they were still questioning the aide.

"We have nothing to comment," he said.

A Raj Bhavan official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "The aide was summoned by the governor today but it is not known what transpired in the one-on-one meeting."

Four women rescued from a brothel in Silchar

2012-01-24T19:13:00.000-08:00

Shillong, Jan 25 (PTI) Four women from Meghalaya,including a minor, were rescued by city-based women NGO andpolice teams from a brothel in Silchar, police said Friday. Civil Society Women Organisation (CSWO) and theMeghalaya police led by Assistant Superintendent of Police(Crime) Vivek Syiem, in collaboration with Assam police raideda brothel at Radhamadhav Road in Silchar from where the fourwere rescued, they said. Two women traffickers - Suku Debnath and Gita Singh-were arrested in this case, police said. "We are taking the girls with us for necessarycounselling and post trauma treatment," said Agnes, the headof the NGO. According to the NGO leader, a nine-year-old minor wasalso rescued from the brothel.

Two sites inaugurated for WiMAX project in Meghalaya

2012-01-19T17:43:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Jan 20 : To provide easy and fast Internet connectivity to the rural areas of Meghalaya under the WiMAX project, two sites were formally inaugurated today by Union Minister of State for Communication and Information Technology Sachin Pilot. Altogether 28 sites were targeted to be installed within March 31 this year in the state under WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), a technology for delivering wireless high-speed Internet service to large geographical areas. Addressing the function to inaugurate sites of Barapani and Cherrapunjee from Kolkata through video conferencing, Pilot said, "This technology will enable easy accessibility to Internet connectivity in the state." "We will continue to install more such sites across the state of Meghalaya," he added. Congratulating the state for achieving this project, Pilot asked students of schools, colleges and universities to avail the facility. Highlighting more on the project, Senior General Manager of Telecom District in charge of Meghalaya, George Santosh said, "Just like 3G services which are bundled basically for the mobile phone and data card which actually requires a SIM, the WiMAX is also wireless based and requires a device called CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) which can then be connected to the PC or Laptop". He added, We would be delivering maximum speed of 5 Mbps which is really good for the rural audience. A number of attractive tariffs are available." Last year, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma inaugurated the first site at Ampati in the Garo hills region.

Fowl culling on in Meghalaya district

2012-01-18T17:10:00.001-08:00

SHILLONG: More than 4600 fowls from 25 villages of East Garo Hills district in Meghalaya were completely wiped off to contain the spread of bird-flu, officials said here today.

"We expect to cross the 5000 mark today when culling operation is left in only two villages within 3 km from the epi-centre," state's veterinary director L Lyngwa told PTI.

On Tuesday, 1222 fowls from four villages were culled following stict guidelines from the Centre, he said.

A total of 4666 fowls were subjected to culling and hygienically disposed off even as more than 1500 eggs were destroyed in seven days of cleaning operation in East Garo Hills district, including those from the government-run farm where the disease broke a week ago.

Lyngwa was optimistic that culling operation will be over by evening.

Earlier, the state government had projected that more than 24,000 bird will face the knife in the area.

District administrator Pravin Bakshi said Rapid Response Teams (RRT) will have to stay quarantined together at a designated place in Williamnagar until January 28.

Around 15 temporary toilets, blankets, mattresses, pick-up trucks, food, vehicles and earth movers have been arranged for the culling and mopping operations.

The district, with a population density of 122 inhabitants per square kilometre, has a population of 3,17,618 persons as per 2011 census.

Bhopal-based High Security Animal Disease Laboratory has confirmed that blood samples sent was detected with bird-flu on January 11.

Govt to create more lay byes to accommodate traffic: CM

2012-01-17T17:26:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Jan 18 (PTI) Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma today said the state government would create more lay byes to accommodate traffic and had engaged a magistrate and a senior police officer to monitor the smooth flow of traffic along the Shillong-Guwahati-Silchar highway and especially in Shillong city. "We will create more lay-byes from Umiam Lake to Shillong with an aim to reduce traffic congestion along the narrow Shillong-Guwahati road," Sangma said after visiting the highways. "The PWD has been entrusted to work out on the proposal for the lay-byes," the chief minister said. The Single Window Agency of the state government headed by the Chief Minister himself is expected to clear the proposals. The Government of India, through the NHAI, is constructing a four-lane from Jorabad in Guwahati to Lad Umroi in Umiam Lake. According to the Chief Minister, the government is contemplating to extend the four lane road up to Mawiongrim near here. "For the remaining eight km from Lad Umiam to Shillong, the government is acquiring more land for the four-lane road," he said. Sangma also met with around 12 land owners along the stretch for the four lane road for which he said they are ready to part with. Last week more than 5000 vehicles were stranded along the roads here due to massive traffic jam.

Conrad Sangma led young delegation to visit Israel

2012-01-16T16:05:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Jan 17 (PTI) Meghalaya's Leader of Opposition, Conrad K Sangma, will lead a delegation of young politicians from the country to Israel on a three-day visit aimed at enhancing bi-lateral cooperation in agriculture and homeland security. "The delegation will be exposed to Israeli capabilities in fields of agriculture and homeland security with a view to enhance bi-lateral cooperation in these spheres," Shimon Mercer-Wood, Israeli Embassy political representative said in an invitation. "In the course of the visits, the delegation will meet with counterparts from across political spectrum in Israel and interact with leading public figures from the media and the civil society," Shimon added. The Israel Embassy said, the visit holds potential for genuine benefit to Meghalaya and Israel. Sangma's visit came in the wake of Meghalaya's seeking experts from Israel to study and suggest measures to further improve fish farming in the state in line with the Aqua-culture Mission, the flagship programme of the state government proposed to be launched later this year. Among those selected for the visit are Sudhir Sharma (Himachal Pradesh), Sanjay Jha (Bihar), Krishna Byre Gowda (Karnataka), P C Vishnunadh (Kerala) and Vani Tripathi (BJP member).

Poultry exports hit after flu outbreak in Meghalaya

2012-01-15T16:08:00.001-08:00

KOCHI/CHANDIGARH: Poultry companies are exercising caution with the outbreak of bird flu in parts of Odisha and Meghalaya, though they think it could be temporary and may not spread to other regions. But egg exporters aren't lucky thanks to an export ban in place for the next six months.

Bird cull which began in the two states is expected to carry on for a few days. The two states have put a quarantine procedure in place.

Coimbatore-based Suguna Poultry, which has a market share of 15% in the Rs 600-crore poultry industry of Odisha, is watching the situation. Sales have not been impacted yet. "Our business is concentrated in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, where the flu has not spread so far," said B Soundararajan, managing director of Suguna Poultry Farms.

Its supply to Meghalaya from its unit in Assam too hasn't been affected. Suguna is India's largest broiler chicken producer with about 70 lakh birds and claims to be the world's 10th biggest.

Andhra Pradesh, a major supplier of poultry products to Odisha, has seen a slowdown in sales. "We sell about 3 lakh hatching eggs and chicks to Odisha. This has been hit," said Ram Reddy, president of Andhra Pradesh Poultry Breeders Association.

Venkateshwara Hatcheries, which has a good presence in the Northeastern states, has stopped supplies as a precautionary measure. "We sell around 40,000 eggs a day to parts of the Northeast, of which Meghalaya accounts for around 15%. At the outbreak of the bird flu, we have stopped our supplies for the time being," said T Venkateshwara Rao, a director with the company.

The regions bordering Bangladesh have been susceptible to avian flu. "In the past seven months, poultry exports from India have been banned due to the outbreak of bird flu in West Bengal and the Northeast. We were just receiving export orders from Middle East countries when the Indian government confirmed bird flu. Exports will not be allowed now," said Poultry Federation of India president Satish Pal.

India export poultry products to the Middle East and Saarc countries from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Meghalaya choir to compose music score of Malayalam movie

2012-01-14T22:40:00.003-08:00

Shillong, Jan 14 (PTI) Meghalaya sensation Shillong Chamber Choir will set the music score for Malayalam movie Goodbye December. Composer and the man behind the choir group, Neil Nongkynrih said today we agreed to do this project as the script suits us as a team and secondly as a choir group. The choir will record more than five songs including composition of a background music. Although Malayalam is the most difficult language to cope with while singing, it promises to be pure fun as a composer and for the boys and girls in the group, Neil told reporters. The Choir group recorded their first Malayalam number in Kochin last December but as the girls and boys have to appear for their school and college exams, other recording could also be done in Shillong besides Mumbai. Asked how he and the team cope with the shift in their working environment- from composing/singing Opera to studio recording, Neil said, "It is a different territory and all of us are working hard to adapt to the demand of the new environment. According to Neil, "The script was too good to say 'No'. This assignment was tailor-made for us as the script is about a choir group." "We worked hard. It took the boys and girls a month to make the pronunciation right," Neil said. According to Neil, his band members were made of differently abled persons who would make music anytime, hum any songs anywhere.

Over 1,000 birds culled in Garo Hills

2012-01-14T22:40:00.001-08:00

TURA, Jan 15 – Thirteen rapid response teams of the Meghalaya Government are continuing the culling of poultry in the affected zone of Williamnagar in East Garo Hills where the first bird flu outbreak has taken place and by Friday as many as 1,043 chicken have been culled within the three km radius, informed authorities.
The teams have been assigned the task of culling all poultry in the affected region and the administration has also formed a separate 15 teams headed by magistrates to go from area to area to create awareness on bird flu because some poultry owners have been expressing reluctance to kill their birds.

The first culling operation was conducted in the government poultry farm at Williamnagar where the outbreak was first reported. The culling operation in the farm took place on Thursday.

On Friday, the rapid response teams began the second stage of the operation and culled 482 birds from house to house and the market complex. There is concern over reports that some poultry owners are throwing the carcass of birds into the Simsang river in and around Williamnagar town there by polluting the river water and threatening contamination and spread of the disease.

A senior official of the Health department representing the Government of India has arrived in Williamnagar to monitor the situation.

Import of poultry and poultry products including eggs has been banned in West, South and East Garo Hills ever since the outbreak began and police and Veterinary officials are manning check points at all entry points to Garo Hills because of the suspicion that the outbreak may have taken place from infected birds that were brought in from outside the State – particularly Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Orrisa which are the main supplier of chicken and eggs to the North East, including Meghalaya.

More birds die in Meghalaya, test reports awaited

2012-01-10T19:22:00.000-08:00

Shillong: Another 40 birds died Tuesday on a government-run farm in western Meghalaya, even as the state government awaited the test reports on earlier deaths to know whether they were due to bird flu, officials said.

"Forty more birds have died an unnatural death in the same farm at Williamnagar and we are yet to establish the cause of their death," Animal and Husbandry Director D. Lyngwa told IANS.

In the past few weeks, around 2,000 poultry birds have died on the farm at Williamnagar, the district headquarter of East Garo Hills, 312 km west of Shillong.

Samples have been sent to the Bhopal-based High Security Animal Disease Laboratory and the results are awaited.

Moreover, he said that a rapid response team has been kept on standby in the district to deal with the unnatural deaths of thousands of birds.

Chief Secretary W.M.S. Pariat has directed district authorities in the three districts of Garo Hills to monitor the health of all the poultry birds following their unnatural deaths.

"The district administration has taken all precautionary measures and rapid response team has been geared up to take action in case the laboratory confirms bird flu," East Garo Hills district magistrate Praveen Bakshi told IANS.

He said a seven-kilometre radius of the area where the birds died has been kept under surveillance

"There is nothing panic and the district authorities are all geared up to meet any eventuality," Bakshi said.

2,000 dead birds set off flu fears in Meghalaya

2012-01-09T20:08:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Jan 10 : Around 2,000 poultry birds have died in the past few weeks on a farm in Meghalaya's East Garo Hills district, fuelling fears of bird flu, even as a general alert was sounded in the area, officials said Monday.

A government official said 2,000 chickens died an unnatural death in a government-run poultry farm at Williamnagar, the district headquarter of East Garo Hills, about 312 km west of Meghalaya's state capital Shillong.

"We have sent samples for laboratory tests to Bhopal-based High Security Animal Disease Laboratory for confirmation. We don't know for sure if the poultry deaths were due to bird flu," Praveen Bakshi, the district magistrate, told IANS.

Initially, he said the government has sent samples to a Guwahati-based Laboratory, but it did not yield any results.

"The district administration has taken all precautionary measures and rapid response team has been geared up to take action in case the laboratory confirms bird flu," Bakshi said.

He said a seven kilometre radius of the area where the birds died has been kept under surveillance.

Meanwhile, the district administration and health and family welfare and veterinary officials are scheduled to meet Tuesday to discuss on the unnatural deaths of birds at the farm.

Anti-graft activists take midnight dip in cold water

2012-01-01T01:02:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Jan 1 : At midnight, a group of anti-graft activists in Meghalaya pledged to fight against corruption by taking a dip in the icy-cold water with an aim to inculcate a fighting spirit, endurance and determination to end social frauds. While the rest of the country welcomed the New Year with
revelry in their own kinds, 24 brave men and children heralded the first hour of 2012 by taking a mid-night dip last night at the Crinoline swimming pool at sub-zero temperature.

Led by former influential student activist, and a convener of the Mait Shaphrang Movement (MSM), Michael Syiem, routinely undertaken the dip for the fifteenth year in a row.

"We take this dip to refresh ourselves about the fighting spirit that we should have in order to overcome all odds that we, as individuals and the society, are facing," Syiem said.

He said, "To take a dip at the icy-cold water is the most challenging thing an individual could do especially at midnight."

Braving the cold water, Syiem added another 40 blocks of ice to make the 'dip' more challenging this year, 20 more ice than last year.

Syiem, who as an anti-graft activist in the state, has unearthed many wrong doings of several coalition governments in Meghalaya.

"A dive into a pool under sub-zero temperature is a pointer that it is an odd that we have overcome during the first minutes of the new year, and we will overcome any odds in the 365 days to come."

Matrilineal Meghalaya slams Andhra cop remark

2011-12-31T22:46:00.001-08:00

SHILLONG: There is outrage in matrilineal Meghalaya over a sexist comment made by Andhra Pradesh police chief V Dinesh Reddy that it was the dress a woman wears which determines how safe they are.

"We are surprised over the statement of Andhra director general of police, who mentioned that women are the main cause of rape because of the way they dress," a statement issued by the Civil Society Women's Organization (CSWO) here said.

"What about minors? Three-year-olds and 5-year-olds, what about them?" the CSWO asked in an apparent reference to rampant rapes of minor girls. Agnes Kharshiing of CSWO said, "He (Andhra DGP) is covering up for the laziness of cops entrusted with investigation and their connivance with the perpetrators to make money."

She added, "Most rape cases do not get convictions due to faulty investigation. There are cases where even medical reports are tampered with to help the accused." The CSWO said the statement of Andhra DGP only shows that his force is against women and with the perpetrators.

"We expect the National Commission for Women to take note of this statement, which encourages rape," the CSWO added. Andhra Pradesh DGP V Dinesh Reddy on Friday said one of the factors responsible was modern women's preference for fashionable dresses like salwar kameezes.

"Rapes and murders are not strictly under the control of police. People are turning out to be more fashionable nowadays. Even in villages, they are wearing salwar kameezes. All these lead to provocations and this cannot be under the control of police," the DGP said evoking strong condemnation throughout the country.

Shillong partakes of the food of love on Boxing Day

2011-12-26T20:29:00.001-08:00

SHILLONG: It's Boxing Day and besides opening boxes full of Christmas gifts it's time for grand feasts in the predominantly Christian-inhabited Meghalaya.

The Feast of St Stephen, the first Christian martyr, is observed on Boxing Day, the day after Christmas. Alms boxes are placed in every church on Christmas Day, in which worshippers drop gifts for the poor of the parish; these boxes are opened on Boxing Day.

Churches of various denominations in the city are organizing community feasts, which would continue up to the New Year's Eve. "Christmas is a time for sharing your blessings and caring for people cutting across barriers of community and religion. It is a time to spread the message of love and peace among all and what better way to do so than to organize community feasts," says a church elder.

Popular as 'Bam Khana Krismas' in local parlance, these community feasts are occasions of merrymaking and rejoicing, with people from all walks of life and socio-economic classes sharing food prepared in a common kitchen.

Dotted with churches and chapels, the 'Scotland of East' is agog with festivity this time of the year with street corners and households illuminated with fairy lights.

Meanwhile, with state government offices remaining closed for Christmas and New Year, Pine City these days is also a city of leisure with people draped in warm woolens mostly having fun with family and friends indoors to beat the sharp winter chill.

While offices are scheduled to reopen in the first week of January, schools, colleges and other educational institutions would begin reopening from mid-February after a long winter vacation.

Christmas celebrated with fervour in Meghalaya

2011-12-25T22:13:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Dec 26 (IANS) Christians in Meghalaya Sunday celebrated Christmas with fervour and spirit, exchanging greetings and gifts with friends and relatives.
Bishops and pastors led services and delivered sermons in various cathedrals and churches of different Christian denominations in the capital, Shillong.
Archbishop of Shillong Archdiocese, Reverend Dominic Jala presided the midnight Christmas mass at the Mary Help of Christian Cathedral here.
In his sermon, Jala appealed to people to uphold the ideals of universal love and brotherhood.
All churches, missionary schools and institutions were also decorated with colourful buntings and lights.
Exchange of greetings and gifts, visits to relatives, games and sports among children and community feasts marked celebrations across the state where over 80% of the population is Christian.
Leaders of various political parties have greeted the people on the occasion of Christmas.
Meghalaya Governor R S Mooshahary said that the spirit of Christmas brings peace, happiness and joy to every home.

What's sucking Meghalaya's famed oranges dry

2011-12-23T22:18:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Dec 24 : They have in the past been certified as the "best, sweet and juicy oranges" by Central horticulture authorities. But the famed Khasi Mandarin oranges of Meghalaya are under threat from pests and outside varieties of the fruit.

Khasi Mandarin is grown on the southern slopes of Wahkhen Mawphu and Nongsteng villages, among others, in the sub-division of Sohra, previously known as Cherrapunji, in the East Khasi Hills district.

"But fruit sucking moths (Othresis fullonica) are destroying oranges and making cultivation economically unviable," said Herman Sanlyngdoh, an orange farmer from Nongsteng. Other farmers echoed similar concern. "We need government help to save our orchards," urged another grower of the citrus fruit from Sohra.

Meghalaya produces 40,000 tonnes of oranges annually, about five percent of the country's total.

Meghalaya Horticulture Director CO Rangad said Khasi Mandarin and other variety of oranges being grown in various parts of Meghalaya were under attack by two types of pests. "One insect known as aphid destroys the orange leaves and another insect known as shot border attacks the stem of the orange tree," he said.

Also most worrying is the use by farmers of orange saplings from outside Meghalaya, he said. "This is a worrying trend. Our farmers should realise that the mixture of saplings from within the State and from outside is a major threat to the identity of our own variety," Rangad said.

Orange growers were tempted to buy saplings from places outside Meghalaya because of lower price as compared to the good quality saplings being supplied by the Meghalaya horticulture department. "Our homegrown sapling is priced Rs 7.50 but the price of one sapling from outside is between Rs 1-3 and that's why our farmers are buying orange saplings from outside, causing a major threat to the identity of our own Khasi Mandarin oranges," said the government horticulturist.

On government steps being taken to ensure that farmers bought Khasi Mandarin saplings, Rangad said the 13th Finance Commission recently awarded Rs.30 crore for Meghalaya to set up two planting material hubs for different types of horticultural saplings, including oranges - one in East Khasi Hills and another in East Garo Hills district.

"Out of Rs 30 crore, Rs 5 crore will be utilised for orange saplings since the government did not want to encourage orange growers in the state to buy saplings from outside," Rangad added.

The government is also advising orange growers to follow the latest growing methods in order to prevent attacks by insects. "We have asked the farmers to strictly follow the pest control and other sustainable ways, besides supplying sufficient manure to increase the productivity of the orchards. Most of them did not follow the scientific methods which prevent the orange trees from attack by insects," Rangad said.

Meghalaya to produce electricity from garbage

2011-12-22T20:48:00.001-08:00

SHILLONG, Dec 23 – The Meghalaya Government has embarked on a hi-tech waste management project to clean up its cities and turn garbage and wastes to productive use as a spin-off.

An Expression of Interest floated by the government recently for such a pilot project here has had as many as seven Indian and International companies participating. The list was later pruned to three. Shillong city has been selected to host the pilot project.

Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, who had visited the plant sites of two such hi-tech waste management plants in Pune, shortlisted by the government, said she intended to inspect the third site in Bangalore early next year.

“What impressed me and my officers the most is the fact that both the plants generate electricity using shredded plastic and other wastes. They also produce organic fertilisers. This could be implemented here on a PPP mode,” Lyngdoh said.

Apart from generating electricity, the plants would also create direct and indirect employment for the youth, she said.

In Pune, she said, at least 80 entrepreneurs had been employed in the project. Besides, rag-pickers have also been engaged in collecting wastes for the plants, the Minister said.

The Shillong Municipal Board has to deal with 170 metric tonnes of household wastes on a daily basis. At present, the dumping site at Marten in the city suffers from a lack of space. It caters to a population of 3,14,610 (2011 census) and has been in operation since the 1930s.

“With these amount of wastes,” Lyngdoh pointed out, “the proposed plant could produce about 16 MW of electricity and the plant runs on its own power.”

Explaining how the system works, Lyngdoh said, “The plant first segregates dry garbage from wet. The wet garbage is collected by the municipality and dumped in the manure bin while the rag-pickers collect the dry garbage. Fertiliser is made from the wet garbage.”

Dry garbage includes plastic bags, papers, cans and boxes and can be collected by rag-pickers and wet garbage includes vegetable wastes, fruits and flowers.

Wet garbage is decomposed using worms EM solutions and eventually converted to manure, she points out. “Interestingly, the whole process does not emit any toxic gas into the atmosphere,” she said.

“Once the government makes up its mind to select one among the three companies, a proposal will be sent to the Government of India for funding,” Lyngdoh explained.

The project cost is estimated at around Rs 70-100 crore and it takes 12-15 months to install machinery, she said.

11 drown in Meghalaya

2011-12-22T06:11:00.001-08:00

Shillong : Eleven coal miners were drowned and five others critically injured when a truck in which they were travelling fell into a river in Meghalaya, police said Thursday.
The incident took place Wednesday evening when the truck rammed into the railing of the 140-metre Jadukata bridge across the Ranikor river in West Khasi Hills district, near the Bangladesh border.
The miners were on their way home to spend Christmas with their families.
The dead included the truck driver, Muthu Ramachandran, the police chief of West Khasi Hills, told IANS.

Khasi orange threatened by imported saplings

2011-12-21T22:01:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Dec 22 : The identity of Meghalaya’s Khasi Mandarin, also locally known as Sohniamtra Khasi, is under threat due to the import of orange saplings from outside the state.

Khasi Mandarin, a variety of orange from Wahkhen village and the famous orange grown in remote Mawphu and Nongsteng villages under Sohra in East Khasi Hill district, was few years ago certified by the Union Ministry of Horticulture as the best in India and is considered to be even better than the Nagpur orange.

Orange grown in the southern belt of Khasi Hills such as Mawphu, Nongsteng are of good quality and because of that they are juicy, sweet and tasty.

'' We came to know that orange growers in Meghalaya, mostly those from Ri-Bhoi district have been buying orange saplings from outside the state without realising the danger posed by such saplings to the identity of our own variety,'' horticulture director Dr C O Rangad told reporters today on the sidelines of the Orange Festival held at Sohra.

Dr Rangad said, the orange growers were tempted to buy saplings from other places outside Meghalaya because of lesser price compared to good quality saplings being supplied by the state's horticulture department.

'' The price of one sapling from outside is between Re 1 and Rs 3.But the price of sapling grown in Meghalaya costs Rs 7.50p. This is a worrying trend and our farmers should realise that the mixture of saplings from within the state and outside is a major threat to the identity of our own variety being posed by such cheap saplings that they get from outside,'' Dr Rangad said.

He also said that the famous Khasi Mandarin and other variety of oranges being grown in various parts of the state are under attack by pests.

The 13th Finance Commission has recently awarded Rs 30 crore to Meghalaya for setting up of two planting material hubs for different types of horticultural saplings including orange - one in East Khasi Hills and another in East Garo Hills district.

''Out of 30 crore, Rs 5 crore will be utilised for orange saplings since the government want to encourage orange growers in the state to buy saplings from outside,'' Dr Rangad informed.

However, orange growers from Mawphu, the village in Sohra area widely known for producing the best variety of orange known as Khasi Mandarin said, they have never imported cheap saplings available from outside the state for planting in their orchards.

Despite the potential in orange production, the village is yet to be connected with road and the orange growers have to physically carry tonnes of orange on foot to bring to Sohra market.

Meghalaya assembly to quiz cop for booking MLA

2011-12-18T22:39:00.001-08:00

A traffic constable in Shillong will have to answer before the Meghalaya assembly for the "offence" of booking an MLA who had allegedly violated road rules.

Earlier this month, traffic police constable S Thapa booked legislator Ronnie V Lyngdoh, a Congress member, for allegedly
parking his car in a no-parking zone in Meghalaya capital Shillong. Thapa and his superior have now been asked to appear before an assembly panel for an explanation.

Lyngdoh had told the traffic policeman who he was, but the latter said he had no option but to go by the law.

On Friday, Thapa and his superior, inspector Cherry Shadap, received notice from the Committee of Privileges and Ethics of the Meghalaya legislative assembly. Lyngdoh heads this panel.

The notice directed Thapa and Shadap to appear before the panel on Tuesday on charges of breach of a legislator's privileges.

"The summoning is not to take punitive action or to get even with them," Lyngdoh told HT from Shillong. "The idea is to have a discussion with them to eliminate high-handedness. I was driving the car, and had sought 10 minutes for my wife to see her doctor. It was difficult for her to walk in an area where the no-parking zone was endless."

According to Lyngdoh, the traffic police should also have been equally strict with temporary stalls selling Christmas wares on pavements, causing inconvenience to pedestrians.

Senior police officials declined to comment, but social organisations have criticised Lyngdoh. "No one is above the law, and a legislator in particular should lead by example," said Agnes Kharshiing of Civil Society Women's Organisation.

The house panel's notice had coincided with another traffic policeman slapping a fine of Rs1,000 on Meghalaya rural development minister Saleng A Sangma for parking his SUV with a red beacon at an unauthorised place.

Meghalaya minister fined for illegal parking

2011-12-15T20:08:00.001-08:00

SHILLONG, Dec 16 – A no-nonsense Meghalaya traffic police department today compelled a Cabinet Minster to pay a fine of Rs 1000 for illegally parking his vehicle at the busy Police Bazaar area here with onlookers hailing the cops’ move.

The incident happened at about 4 pm when the Police Bazaar area was teeming with vehicles and the traffic police on the spot was having, as usual, a harrowing time to control the traffic. The policemen during that time noticed a brand new Scorpio ML 05 TC 004 (a) with red lights parked at an unauthorized area at the busy intersection, an eye witness said.

The policemen on duty got to their work and summoned a towing truck to the spot. However, Community and Rural Development Minister, Saleng Sangma appeared at the scene and claimed the vehicle as his.

The traffic policeman immediately tore out a fine receipt slip (No. 1737) and asked him to pay the mandatory fine of Rs 1000 for traffic rules violation. The Minister relented, paid the fine and whizzed off.

“This is the way policemen should carry on with their work. If Lawmakers breaks the law, they must be treated as lawbreakers,” one of the onlookers said.

Apart from the Minister’s vehicle, an Army bike bearing registration number AS 1J 9853 was towed away during the same time. “We aren’t going to spare any violators, especially during this busy festival time,” a traffic police official posted at the site warned.

Meanwhile, pedestrians’ life has become difficult since the main avenue leading to the shopping arcades in Police Bazaar is in utter disarray with construction works on.

Unattended culverts, rocks, potholes and open drains have made shopping dreadful. The Urban Affair Department has dug up the whole area to beautify it from October this year, but worryingly there aren’t any significant safety measures undertaken to clear the huge piles of rocks and barricading drains and potholes.

“This whole beautification thing could have started after the New Year celebrations as the project is unlikely to be completed within a few days or months. And what is the idea to dig up the entire stretch, instead of taking up the work in a phased manner,” an irate shopper said negotiating some of the culverts and potholes left by the department.

Health officials undergo training at IIM-Shillong

2011-12-15T20:05:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Dec 15 (PTI) With the aim to provide apatient-friendly and socially-proactive modern health caresystem in Meghalaya, some state health officials completed aone-month training at the IIM-Shillong today. The training programme focused on bringing healthcareofficials together to learn how to make their projects moreenvironmentally, socially and economically sustainable,offiial sources said. Twenty health officers were initially divided in threebatches with the training for the first batch having commencedon November 15 last. An IIM official told PTI, "The IIM (Rajiv GandhiIndian Institute of Management, Shillong) has agreed inprinciple to train 500 doctors of Meghalaya state healthservices over a period of three years." "In the end, the IIM and the government, target toregenerate the natural, social, human and financial capitalfor both short and long term prosperity," the official said. The practice-oriented 30 day-intensive training isaimed at preparing participants with a deeper understanding ofthe social and business consideration necessary for moresuccessful management of healthcare infrastructure projects inthe state under National Rural Health Mission. "Field Visit during the training helped theparticipants to see improvement that can be made in context ofthe inputs given in lectures, helped them to understand theimprovement of functioning when participants go back to theirwork places," the official said. The training is supported by leading doctors fromreputed hospitals in the country- Apollo Gleneage, Kolkata ,Military Hospital, Shillong, NEIGRIMS, Shillong NEMCARE,Guwahati.

Police inspector and transport officials held for extortion

2011-12-14T21:48:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Dec 15 (PTI) Six persons, including a police inspector and transport officials, were today held for illegally collecting money from coal-laden trucks along the Shillong-Jowai road in Meghalaya, police said. Inspector Marbid Rynjah and some transport officials have been detained, a senior police official told PTI adding that these people have been indulged in robbing trucks plying along the highway. Irked at the insensitivity of the law enforcement officials, many people have lodged complaints with the police, he said. According to the police, Additional SP (Crime) Vivek Syiem laid a trap and apprehended them while they were detaining and collecting money from trucks. Two vehicles used by these criminals were also seized, police said.

Lanong urges police trainees to be peace makers

2011-12-14T21:26:00.001-08:00

SHILLONG, Dec 15 – Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Bindo M Lanong today urged newly-inducted police officers to uphold the law of the land without any bias and try being peacemakers.

Addressing the passing out parade at the North East Police Academy near here, he said, the authority that the officers would have now must be used judiciously for the benefit of the general public.

Altogether 96 police officers were inducted in the police force. These officers would be deputed to their respective States in the North East. Thirty-two passed out as DSPs, 56 Sub-Inspectors and eight Assistant Sub-Inspectors.

Calling the officers “peacemakers,” Lanong said they should try to “be friends and guides of the people” of the State where they would serve.

Director of the Academy, Anil Kumar Mathur said women trying to get into the police force are an encouraging sign in the male- dominated profession.

“We expect more women joining the police force as it would give new impetus when it comes to handling issues relating to women,” he added.

Some of the inducted female police officers said they would try giving justice to women in their respective States with their newly acquired skills at the academy.

Thungrhoni Kikon was honoured with the Governor of Meghalaya “Sword of Honour” for being the all-round best DSP.

Meghalaya consent for border development

2011-12-13T20:26:00.001-08:00

Members of Nongspung syiemship at the meeting with the executive member of KHADC Lamphrang Blah on Tuesday in Shillong. Picture by UB Photos
Shillong, Dec. 14 : Meghalaya’s residents along the inter-state border with Assam have no objections if Dispur carries out development work in their villages, provided it makes no territorial claim on the land.
This came to the fore after a traditional chief (syiem) of Nongspung syiemship Peter Roger Syiemiong met officials of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) today following allegations that the former had allowed the Assam government to construct a road along some of the border villages in Ri Bhoi district.
According to an agreement signed between Peter Syiemiong and the Assam government on December 3, approval was given for the construction of a 10km road on the land and territory falling within the syiemship.
The Assam government, represented by Gauhati West legislator Hemanta Talukdar and Assam minister for border areas development Siddique Ahmed, confirmed that they will not stake territorial claim or land rights over the portion of road that runs from the syiemship (along Patgang, Longkhung, Jimrigang and Bakhlapara villages). These villages fall within the territorial and administrative jurisdiction of Meghalaya.
Moreover, it was agreed that even after the construction of the road, the traditional chief will exercise all rights over administration and other customary functions that has been under his supervision so far.
It was also agreed that the syiemship would grant the no-objection certificate to the Assam government based on the above conditions.
The agreement was made as the construction of the 10km Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) road is expected to bring about development in the area.
However, a complaint was lodged against Peter Syiemiong by the adviser to the syiemship, W. Syiemiong, accusing the former of “arbitrarily” selling land to the Assam government.
After meeting the members of the syiemship dorbar, KHADC executive member in-charge of elaka administration Lamphrang Blah fixed December 19 as the date for settlement of the dispute.
Speaking to reporters, Peter Syiemiong said the road would help the villagers staying along the border in the transport of their agricultural produce.
“This road will bring development to our people, but that does not mean we would lose our territorial integrity,” he added.
Justifying the December 3 agreement, Peter Syiemiong said this was “in harmony with the agreements signed between the chief ministers of the two states.”
On June 6, 1992 former chief ministers of Meghalaya and Assam D.D. Lapang and Hiteshwar Saikia had agreed in Shillong to maintain the status quo and allow development activities to continue along border areas.
Also, on July 18, 2008 in Dispur, then Meghalaya chief minister Donkupar Roy and his Assam counterpart Tarun Gogoi had also agreed to allow development work to continue “in the interest of the people living in the border areas with prior intimation to either side.”
On June 5, 2010, incumbent Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma and Gogoi had inked a similar agreement in Dispur after talks were held following the Langpih firing incident on May 14 last year.
The two governments have been maintaining a status quo in the border areas with a strong pitch for a “give and take policy.”
Moreover, a joint committee of chief secretaries from the two states was formed to follow up issues relating to border dispute.
In the last meeting of the chief secretaries held in Dispur in August it was decided that both the states would go into the details of 12 sectors or areas of differences, including Langpih, before arriving at a solution.
During the meeting, Meghalaya had submitted documents and maps related to its claim on the 12 sectors in the inter-state border.

Meghalaya youths rescue coal trader

2011-12-12T20:10:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Dec 12 (PTI) An coal trader abducted by Meghalaya's Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) was rescued by a group of youths while they were taking him to a secluded place in Meghalaya, police said. The incident took place at Wardro village in West Khasi Hills district at around midnight on Saturday, sources said. According to the police, six GNLA rebels abducted the coal trader from nearby Shallang coal belt area in the district. They said, the armed rebels abandoned the trader when the youths who were guarding the area stopped them. The GNLA has been pushing their area of operation in the coal belts of West Khasi Hills district and this has prompted the youths to keep vigil at night, police said.

Meghalaya rebels set conditions for releasing official

2011-11-25T19:49:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Nov 26 (IANS) The outlawed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) Wednesday demanded withdrawal of central forces from Meghalaya in return for setting free a government official abducted two days back even as the official's family pleaded for his release.

Heavily armed GNLA rebels abducted Block Development Officer (BDO) P.K. Boro and two traders Dulal Modak and Rokybul Haque from two areas of Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district Monday.

Boro was abducted at gunpoint from his official chamber in Dadenggre while the traders were kidnapped from Kalchengpara weekly market.

'Ten days' time will be given to the Meghalaya government to withdraw the CoBRA (Combat Battalion for Resolute Action) commandos, and if the government doesn't respond, we will send the dead body of Boro,' GNLA chairman Champion R. Sangma told IANS on phone.

Champion, who is hiding in Bangladesh, however, promised to release abducted traders soon.

Meanwhile, Boro's family appealed to the GNLA for his release.

'We appeal to the GNLA members for his early and safe release. Our son, brother, husband is innocent, sincere and hardworking officer who believes in working for the good cause of development,' appealed Boro's sister Sombari Boro on behalf of the family.

'His abduction from the office has caused immense suffering and mental agony to his wife and small son and all the family members,' Sombari told IANS, adding that 'neither he or the rebels have made contact with the family'.

The GNLA has been demanding for withdrawal of central forces - two units of Combat Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) commandos and five companies of Border Security Force (BSF) troopers - ever since the troops were deployed in Garo Hills area in July.

Meanwhile, security forces intensified their operation in the region to rescue the abducted trio.

'The search operation is on,' Inspector General of Police (Western Range) G.H.P. Raju told IANS.

CoBRA and Meghalaya's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) commandos have been pressed into service to trace the hostages.

The GNLA earlier had sent extortion demands of Rs.50 lakh to Boro through mobile text messages.

Over 20 people, including security personnel, have been killed while more than 10 people were abducted for ransom in the area in the last one year by GNLA rebels.

Champion, who claims to be fighting for a separate Garoland, has been camping in Bangladesh for several months in search of support.

The outfit has also forged an alliance with the Bangladesh-based rebel group, A'chik Special Dragon Party.

The GNLA has over 100 rebels, including a few women cadres, operating in three impoverished districts of western Meghalaya.

Mukul for international, regional tourism circuits

2011-11-24T20:30:00.003-08:00

SHILLONG: Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sanma has said the state has the potential to develop an international tourism circuit in collaboration with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and Thailand because of its strategic location.

"This view had also been echoed during the Cherrapunjee Festival in December last year when representatives from the tourism industry of all eight northeastern states were present," added Mukul. After the deliberations, the state government, as well as tourism industry representatives, came to a consensus that tourists look at northeast as a single composite destination, he said.

Emphasizing development of inter-state regional circuits, Mukul added that tourists were not guided by political boundaries but more by their own interest of visiting the maximum number of places in minimum time and within their budget. "Hence, promotion of inter-state circuits is essential in the interest of promoting tours within northeastern and eastern India," said the CM, who also holds the tourism portfolio.

"As far as Meghalaya is concerned we can explore development of regional circuits with states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Tripura and even others if the connectivity is good," he said. He added that efforts to attract tourists in certain areas have been hampered by problems of connectivity.

Stating that this was true for all NE states, he stressed the need to develop a regional perspective in tourism development and to also plan in terms of inter-state and regional circuits. The CM said the North Eastern Council (NEC) has developed an integrated tourism master plan for the northeastern region. As many as 33 regional circuits and about six international circuits have been recommended for the region.

Two circuits - Guwahati-Tura-Balpakram-Tura-Manas-Guwahati and Dhaka-Dawki-Shillong - have already been identified for development, added Mukul.

Govt refuses probe into Meghalaya Housing scam

2011-11-24T20:30:00.001-08:00

SHILLONG, Nov 25 – Half of the fund, amounting to over Rs 9 crore, meant for providing roof for the poor, was allegedly misappropriated by the Housing department in connivance with the supplier during 2003-06.

The scam was unearthed by the Meghalaya Right To Information Movement (MRTIM) after filing an RTI and gathering other information. The amount was embezzled in connivance with bureaucrats and the supplier.

Strangely, the Meghalaya government although admitting in black and white that there is “circumstantial evidence” that something was wrong has nonetheless refused to conduct an inquiry by the Anti-Corruption Bureau.

The matter relates to 2003-06 when Corrugated Galvanised Iron (CGI) sheets were being supplied to the rural poor of the State under one of the Housing department’s scheme. The supplier according to Steel Authority of India challan lifted grade VIII CGI sheet and then showed in the supply invoice the CGI sheet as grade III – which is of higher quality.

The department in its defence pointed out that it did not have the material to check the quality of the CGI sheets, but at the same time claimed that all the material supplied were of the same quality as the demand was for.

But what is more damaging is the revelation that the Housing department’s then Director VA Sangma opened a savings account at Vijaya Bank, Laitumkhrah on December 17, 2003 and parked most of the amount from the scheme there.

Under Meghalaya Treasury Rules, 1985 prior permission is required to open a savings account. In Sangma’s case, the permission was not obtained.

None of the transactions made from the account was routed through the cash books of the Director of Housing department and thus evaded the legislative scrutiny, besides the entire amount remained out of Government account.

“The Director withdrew huge sum of amount in cash from the account. There were also mysterious transfers of money to unnamed account holders. Also the money was being paid to self,” Michael Syiem of MRTIM said after holding a public hearing on the case.

Interestingly, government officials stayed away from the hearing despite invitations. “We are making serious allegations that most of the fund was embezzled. We have the documents to prove it. If the government thought we are making false allegations they can take us to Court for defamation,” Tarun Bhartiya another MRTIM activists challenged.

The RTI activists are now demanding that an independent inquiry be conducted, all records and challan from SAIL and the Housing department should be summoned and criminal proceedings against the public servants and supplier involved in the scam be initiated.

Flagbearers of faith sway Shillong

2011-11-24T03:35:00.001-08:00

SHILLONG: Dressed in traditional regalia, 70-year-old Kissor Sing did not seem to tire at all as he kept pace with those much younger than him dancing on the streets of Shillong on the occasion of Seng Kut Snem on Wednesday. The faithful lot was celebrating the foundation day of the Seng Khasi organization of Meghalaya's indigenous Khasi-Pnar community.

Bearing a flag featuring a cock against the backdrop of the rising sun, Sing, along with hundreds of Khasi-Pnars from a faraway hamlet, swayed to the haunting beats of traditional drums to proclaim the ancient wisdom, dignity and grandeur of the religion.

"The cock plays an important part in the Khasi religion and is believed to be a mediator between God and man. According to tradition, at the beginning of time, sins had become rampant among people. So much so that even the sun refused to appear. It was the cock, of all living creatures, that agreed to risk its life for the good of man. At its crowing, the sun came out of his hiding," explains Sing. "Our religion is simple and it preaches the concept of 'Kamai ia ka hok', meaning 'earn with honesty', something that the younger generation needs to understand," he says.

A younger Seng Khasi member, who is pursuing a degree in social science, says, "The Khasi-Pnars believe in one supreme God whom they call U Blei Nongthaw or U Beli Nongpynlong (creator-dispenser). The deity is also occasionally addressed as Ka Blei (goddess), given the fact that the Khasis are a matrilineal society."

More than a century ago, a socio-cultural organization called the Seng Khasi was begun to preserve and profess the indigenous religion.

"The Khasis have their own identity in terms of religion and culture that had been laid down by their ancestors. The Seng Khasi calls upon all Khasis to remember their roots and strive to live in harmony with all other communities so that peace and prosperity can once again reign in these beautiful hills," explains Banteilang Singh Rumnong, a functionary of the Seng Khasi.

Seng Kut Snem is a festival celebrating the foundation day of the Seng Khasi. On November 23 every year, Seng Khasi members following the traditional Khasi faith or the Niam Khasi gather to pay their respects to God, the Almighty.

"This day is celebrated to mark the beginning of the renaissance and awakening of the Khasi community. Its purpose is to influence the people to preserve their religion and culture," says a Khasi elder.

This celebration takes the form of community prayer for protection of the distinct identity of the Khasi race. On the day of the festival, elders impart oral teaching, publish books and writings and conduct lectures on the traditional faith, beliefs, customs, behaviour, etiquette and the Khasi culture as passed on by ancient Khasi predecessors.

Seng Kut Snem kicks off with a cultural procession called 'Laid Pyni Riti', showcasing the various facets of Khasi Life.

The procession, which begins from the Madan Iewrynghep (Fire Brigade Ground), culminates at the Lympung Weiking in Mawlai, where prayers are offered to God, the Creator. Lectures on the Khasi faith and ways of life are delivered by Seng Khasi elders followed by a culturalprogramme.

Folk songs, dances and other instrumental music are played during the festival. Over the years, Seng Kut Snem has become a famous event of Shillong and a prime tourist attraction.

Meghalaya launches operation to rescue abducted official

2011-11-22T07:25:00.001-08:00

Shillong : Security forces have launched an operation in western Meghalaya to rescue a state government official and two Assam-based traders abducted by Garo rebels, an official said Tuesday.
Heavily armed GNLA rebels abducted two traders -- Dulal Modak and Rokybul Haque - and P.K. Boro, the block development officer (BDO) posted at Dadenggre from two areas of Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district Monday.
Boro was abducted at gunpoint from his official chamber at Dadenggre block while the two traders were kidnapped from Kalchengpara weekly market.
"The search operation is on," Inspector General of Police (Western Range) GHP Raju told IANS.
Combat Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) and Meghalaya's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) commandos have been pressed in to service to trace the hostages.
The GNLA earlier had sent extortion demands of Rs.50 lakh to Boro through mobile text messages.
"We have not got any information whether the GNLA has contacted the family members of Boro and the traders for ransom," Raju said.
The GNLA, headed by police officer-turned-outlaw Champion R. Sangma, has unleashed a reign of terror in the three impoverished districts of Garo Hills in the western part of Meghalaya.
Over 20 people, including security personnel have been killed while more than 10 people were abducted for ransom in the area in the last one year by GNLA rebels.
Champion, who claims to be fighting for a separate Garoland, has been camping in Bangladesh for several months in search of support.
The outfit has also forged an alliance with the Bangladesh-based rebel group, A'chik Special Dragon Party.
The GNLA has over 100 rebels, including a few women cadres, operating in the three impoverished districts. The outfit has procured a cache of HK53 rifles and explosives to add to their arsenal.
The outfit had earlier slapped extortion demands ranging from Rs.5 lakh to Rs.1 crore on government officials, ministers, legislators and businessmen.
The Garo Hills region is being used as a safe haven by various northeast-based militant groups.

BDO abducted in Meghalaya

2011-11-21T20:59:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Nov 22 (PTI) Suspected militants of the Garo National Liberation Army today abducted the block development officer of Dadenggre in West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, a senior police official said. Prafulla Kumar Boro was abducted from his office at around 2 PM by four gunmen, IGP (Western Range of Garo Hills) GHP Raju told PTI over phone. The vehicle, used by the ultras for abduction, was later found 12 kms away from Dadenggre. Security forces have launched search operations to rescue him. Meghalaya's Special Weapons and Tactics commandos and Combat Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) of the CRPF have been pressed into service to track down the rebels who are suspected to be holed up in the Garo Hills region, Raju said. Police said they have registered a case against the GNLA as they believe that it is the handiwork of the outfit under the leadership of Sohan D Shira, self-styled Commander-in-Chief of the group.

Suspected Meghalaya rebels abduct official, traders

2011-11-21T06:03:00.003-08:00

Shillong : Suspected Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) rebels Monday abducted two traders and a government official from two areas of Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district, police said.

"P.K. Boro, a block development officer (BDO) posted at Dadengiri and two traders, Rockybul Haq and Dulal, were abducted by GNLA rebels this afternoon," state police chief N. Ramachandran told IANS.

Ramachandran said Boro was abducted at gunpoint from his official chamber at Dadengiri block while the two traders were kidnapped from Kalchengpara weekly market.

"We are still investigating whether any ransom has been demanded," Ramachandran added.

The GNLA, headed by police officer-turned outlaw Champion R. Sangma, has unleashed a reign of terror in the three impoverished districts of Garo Hills in the western part of Meghalaya.

Over 20 people, including security personnel, have been killed in the area in the last one year by GNLA rebels.

Champion, who claims to be fighting for a separate Garoland, has been camping in Bangladesh for several months in search of support.

The outfit has also forged an alliance with the Bangladesh-based rebel group, A'chik Special Dragon Party.

Meghalaya shares a 443-km border with Bangladesh, part of which is porous, hilly and unfenced and prone to infiltration.

Scam: Meghalaya CM, vigilance chief asked to appear in court

2011-11-21T06:03:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Nov 21 : An anti-graft organisation has dared Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and the State Vigilance Commissioner to participate at the second public hearing on the anomalies found in the Rural Housing Scheme.

Meghalaya Right to Information Movement, using RTI, had found fault with the state government and supplier last year regarding the supply of substandard Corrugated Galvanised Iron (CGI) sheets during the period between 2003 and 2006.

"The pilferage percentage under the scheme is a massive 52.12 per cent of the total Rs 19,34,81,221 spent in the purchase of CGI sheets," MRTIM convener Michael Syiem said.

"The public hearing is aimed at following up to the last public hearing held in May last year."

The second public hearing will be held November 24 in the city.
Based on the RTI findings, the MRTIM had complained to the government and demanded that the government initiate an independent inquiry into the scam.

The Chief Minister and the Housing Department had rejected the findings to which the MRTIM followed up with more RTI queries to substantiate their earlier claims.

The State Vigilance Commissioner and other government officers and Suppliers were invited to share their point of views at the public hearing.

Govt fails to stem timber smuggling in Ri Bhoi

2011-11-20T21:25:00.001-08:00

TV footage shows smugglers with timber in Ri Bhoi
Shillong, Nov. 21 : The rampant felling continues unabated whether it is for charcoal or for the wood-based industries situated in parts of Ri Bhoi district.
After the Supreme Court ban on felling, the Meghalaya government has not adopted any viable working plan to stop the illegal activity.
The forests of Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi districts and parts of Garo hills have become the soft targets for the illegal procurement of timber.
The timber is reportedly used by industries at Byrnihat and Umiam in the identified industrial areas of Ri Bhoi district.
Trucks loaded with timber are mostly brought at night to the Umiam factories after crossing several forest checkgates and police stations with enforcers turning a blind eye, allege the residents.
The Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980, was meant to stop the diversion of forest land for other purposes, and to stop deforestation.
However, the act is often violated by showing forest areas as arid land.
The Supreme Court’s order in the TN Godavarman case of 1997 said there shall be a complete ban on the movement of felled trees and timber from any of the seven northeastern states to any other state in the country either by rail, road or waterway.
The court had also directed the state governments to constitute expert committees to identify areas that are forests and plantations.
On the allegations, forest minister Prestone Tynsong said the matter would be looked into.
If teakwood is used in plywood industries in Ri Bhoi, it should be from the government plantations, he added.
“However, if other trees are used, we have to inquire into the matter,” he added.
The forest minister added that the government would impose fines and confiscate the charcoal if anyone was found supplying charcoal from the state to the ferro-alloy industries in Ri Bhoi.
He said the high-level committee, which is examining all aspects related to the use of forestland and areas being used by the industries, especially the cement plants, will submit its report.
This will help the government to streamline the industries.

Bangladeshi smuggler trying to infiltrate caught at border

2011-11-20T21:10:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Nov 21 (PTI) A Bangladeshi smuggler was caughtwhile trying to infiltrate into the country through thebordering Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, BSF officialssaid here today. Acting on a tip-off, the BSF troops, deployed at Hangariaborder outpost in Jaintia Hills district, yesterdayapprehended the smuggler. Some Bangladeshi currency and amobile phone was also seized from him, they said. The smuggler has been identified as Abdul Majid who hailsfrom Goianghat area in Sylhet District of Bangladesh, theofficials said, adding that he has been handed over to localpolice station for legal action. In another incident, BSF troops, deployed in East KhasiHills District, yesterday seized cattle worth rupees 4,40,000while they were being smuggled out to Bangladesh. The smugglers, however, managed to escape takingadvantage of darkness and rugged terrain. Seized cattle have been handed over to the customdepartment for further action, the officials said.

Meghalaya on an 'aggressive mission' to develop villages

2011-11-20T04:54:00.001-08:00

SHILLONG: Concerned about the unabated migration of people from rural to urban areas, the state government has decided to go on an "aggressive mission" to develop villages and make them self-sufficient.

"The migration problem needs to be addressed immediately as it only contributes towards unregulated urban growth, which over burdens the urban areas," said chief minister Mukul Sangma, who laid the foundation stone of a housing project under the Integrated Slum Development Programme (ISDP) and Basic Service for Urban Poor (BSUP), a component of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) at Lower Mawprem here on Saturday.

He said that the state government has geared up to tackle the problem on a "mission mode" by developing the rural areas and creating sustained employment opportunities in the rural areas.

The Centre has sanctioned an amount of Rs 21.30 crores for the ISDP project that covers Mawbah, Lower Mawprem, Pynthorumkhrah, Demseiniong and Kynjat Phutbol slums in Shillong. The scheme is being implemented by the Hindustan Prefab Limited (HPL).

"The housing project at Lower Mawprem will consist of 48 dwelling units in an area of 9900 sq ft. The infrastructure is estimated to cost Rs 1.77 crores. On completion of the project, the beneficiaries indentified from the locality will be rehabilitated in the dwelling units," an official said.

"The BSUP under JNNURM has been launched as a flagship programme of the Central Government with the objective of coping with the massive problems posed by rapid urban growth resulting in the growth of slums with deficiencies in basic amenities like housing, water supply, solid waste management and sanitation," said the CM.

Thai teachers laud training

2011-11-19T20:43:00.001-08:00

Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma with Thai teachers in Shillong on Saturday. Telegraph picture
Shillong, Nov 20 : A large number of Thai teachers and students have found Shillong one of the best centres of learning in the Northeast.
The 18 Thai teachers from St Gabriel Foundation, Thailand, were awarded certificates today after completing various courses on behavioural and personality development, communication and business skills and customer care services in Shillong.
They said the training had offered them an opportunity to understand Meghalaya better and added that the initiative taken would bring both India and Thailand much closer.
Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma, who attended the certificate distribution function organised by the Beaconville Training Academy at Hajom Kissor Sing Memorial Hall at Madan Laban here, lauded the efforts of the academy in imparting training to youths of the state and even foreign students.
He said the academy had done a tremendous job in providing focused training and launching effective programmes in different disciplines, including English, with the help of special teaching materials developed and compiled by the academy.
Earlier, the chief minister said globalisation had created a lot of opportunities for youths and added that it also posed challenges for teachers and researchers to equip themselves with the right kind of knowledge and skills for the job market.
“This can be done if innovative and creative ideas are in placed for framing job-oriented courses to equip young students to prepare themselves to meet the job requirements,” he added.

Urban migration a matter of concern: Meghalaya CM

2011-11-19T20:28:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Nov 20 (PTI) Meghalaya Chief Minister DrMukul Sangma today said that migration from rural areas tourban areas is a serious concern as it contributes towardsunregulated urban growth. "This over burdens the urban area and needs urgentattention," he said adding that the state government is gearedup to tackle the problems on a mission mode by developing therural areas aggressively and by creating sustained employmentopportunities in the rural areas. He was speaking after laying the foundation stone ofthe housing project under the Integrated Slum DevelopmentProgramme (ISDP) and the Basic Service for Urban Poorcomponent of JNNURM at Lower Mawprem here. The ISDP project was sanctioned by the Centre for anamount of Rs 21.30 crore for 5 notified slums in Shillong,official sources said. The scheme is being implemented by Hindustan PrefabLimited (HPL). The Housing Project at Lower Mawprem will consist of48 dwelling units in an area of 9900 sq ft with necessaryinfrastructure at an estimated cost of Rs 1.77 crore. On completion of the project, beneficiaries identifiedfrom the locality will be rehabilitated in the dwelling units. Sangma said that the Basic Service for Urban Poor(BSUP) under JNNURM has been launched as a flagship programmeof the Centre with the main objective of coping with themassive problems that have emerged as a result of rapid urbangrowth resulting in the growth of slums with deficiencies inbasic amenities like housing, water supply, solid wastemanagement and sanitation.

Meghalaya to write to Centre on land bill

2011-11-18T21:06:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Nov 19 (PTI) Meghalaya government has decided to ask the Center to exclude it from the purview of the Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2011 as the state already has an act similar to it.

"The government will write to the Standing Committee of Parliament to exclude the state from the ambit of the LARR as there would be overlapping of powers and jurisdiction of the new Act and the Sixth Schedule," Revenue Minister R C Laloo told reporters after a Cabinet meeting last evening.

He pointed out that the state already had the Meghalaya Land Transfer (Regulation) Act 1971 which barred non-tribals from buying land in the state.

The land ownership pattern in the state was also different where the government did not own the land. The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council and influential NGOs in the state have also objected to the LARR, if implemented without amendments.

The Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2011 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on September 7 and proposed a unified legislation for acquisition of land and rehabilitation mechanism for the affected.

No mass graves in Garo Hills : Sangma

2011-11-17T21:10:00.001-08:00

Shillong : Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma Thursday dismissed the existence of any mass graves or of secret killings of tribal Garo people in the strife-torn area of Garo Hills in the state’s western region.
The government had instituted a high-level probe after the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) had accused its rival group, the A’chik National Volunteers Council (ANVC), of indulging in secret killings.
The GNLA, a rebel group led former police officer-turned outlaw Champion R. Sangma, had alleged many innocent Garo youths were silently killed by ANVC and their bodies were buried in unmarked graves at ANVC’s designated camp at Samanda and behind their liaison office at Tura.
ANVC, considered the most powerful rebel group in Garo Hills, is currently in a tripartite ceasefire agreement with the central and state governments.
Peter W. Ingty, the divisional commissioner, who led the high-level inquiry team, submitted his findings to the government Oct 17.
“The cabinet has examined the reports and found that the allegation regarding secret killings and the existence of mass graves were baseless,” Sangma told journalists here.

Misery mars many a tiny life in remote Meghalaya villages

2011-11-15T00:20:00.001-08:00

KUMALIGAON (MEGHALAYA): It's Children's Day but 12-year-old Dipankar Barman and 9-year-old Dasarath Hajong don't have much to cheer about. Studying in classes 5 and 3 respectively at Betasing Nargsini LP School, these boys from the remote Nirghini village in East Garo Hills have been facing problems from a tender age.

"Every year during monsoon, our makeshift thatched houses get washed away by the waters of the swelling Nirghini River and we have to go elsewhere to live," said both the boys whose parents work under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and are barely able to fulfill their day-to-day basic needs.

"Government officers, who sometimes visit our place, have said they would do something about it but nothing has been done so far," says Dipankar. "Our condition is worse, we have no place to move to during floods," says little Ajoy Paul, who, too, lives in a hamlet barely a few kilometres away from the international border with neighbouring Bangladesh.

The boys had either walked or cycled their way to Kumaligaon to witness chief minister Mukul Sangma launch a welfare scheme. "But the big people did not let us go anywhere near the CM or else we would have told him about our problems," says Dasarath, who belongs to one of the minority tribal communities in the state.

"Yes, insurgents sometimes come to our villages to catch hold of drunkards and gamblers," said one of the boys with caution when asked if he had ever seen any member of the several active underground outfits active.

Sangma launched ‘Shiksha Ka Haq Abhiyan’ in Meghalaya

2011-11-14T23:56:00.001-08:00

Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has launched the ‘Shiksha Ka Haq Abhiyan’, the community awareness and mobilisation campaign on Right to Education Act, 2009.
The launching of the campaign appropriately coincides with the National Education Day observed on the Birth Anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Education Minister of Independent India, who was an intellectual par excellence.
Speaking at the launching of the awareness campaign on Right to Education Act, Dr Sangma said the awareness campaign will enlighten people, especially the parents and the policy makers, about the provisions of the Right to Education Act.
He said the three major issues of education in the state is access, equity and quality which needs to be addressed in a holistic manner to ensure that the system of education and research not only contribute to nation building, but also create a knowledgeable society with values of sustainability.
Dr Sangma also informed that in order to institutionalise implementation of the RTE Act, posts of Joint Directors of School Education have been created in each and every district, mapping of schools by GIS mapping covering a total of 12,794 schools all over the state.
He also informed that as a quality improvement initiative, no detention policy has been notified and continuous and comprehensive evaluation is being introduced in all schools.
”Teacher recruitment policy is being revised as per the National Council of Teachers Education and that all teachers need to be trained and VRS is being offered to untrainable teachers,” Dr Sangma said.
Dr Sangma said the RTE rules set minimum standard for infrastructure facilities in schools which is the biggest challenge for the state.
He also informed that the state government is committed to make all schools compliant with the standards and affirm that the child centered RTE will be fully implemented in Meghalaya by 2013.
Exuding confidence that with the RTE in place, Dr Sangma said RTE will enable the parents to equip their children with the right instrument to face the era of globalisation which is competitive in all respects.
”We should create an enabling environment for our children and the parents have a very important role to play in developing the skills and knowledge of their children and make them compatible with the change,” .

Eucharistic procession taken out in Shillong

2011-11-14T20:32:00.001-08:00

SHILLONG, Nov 15 – Thousands of faithfuls hailing from the Catholic Church of the Northeastern region yesterday converged at Calvary at Laitumkhrah here to take part in the annual Eucharistic procession which coincided with the conclusion of the four-day North East Regional Mission Congress-2011 organised by fifteen Catholic Dioceses of the region.

The clergy belonging to the different religious congregations along with the faithful started their Eucharistic procession from the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians singing hymns including praying along the streets of Laitumkhrah locality in the city before converging at Calvary for the benediction.

Earlier in the morning, a holy mass was held at Calvary in front of Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians. The Archbishop of Guwahati Archdiocese, Rev Thomas Menamparampil was the main speaker at the Holy Mass attended by the bishops of North East and more than hundred priests.

Delivering a homily at the Holy Mass, Archbishop of Guwahati exhorted the faithful to respect the culture of others.

Rev Menamparampil said the ethical values that are in the cultures and communities, like respect, truth and honesty should be cherished and handed down to the next generation. “Give your good examples and the good things you teach will pass on to the next generation”, he said, adding that the faithful should sanctify their relationship in the family and live peaceful co-existence with their neighbours.

Tribal chiefs demand more haats along Indo-Bangla border

2011-11-14T20:27:00.001-08:00

Tura, (Meghalaya), Nov 15 : Meghalaya's tribal chiefstoday demanded more haats along the India-Bangladesh border tofacilitate trade and commerce between the two neighbours. "The Government must expedite at least 40 border haatsalong the Indo-Bangla border to improve the economic conditionof the people living on both sides of the border," John FKharshiing, Co-Chairman, State Planning Board and Chairman ofthe Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya said. He was addressing a conference of tribal chiefs called'Dorbar Ri' or People's Parliament near here. More than 300 tribal chiefs gathered here to attend thethird People's Parliament or 'Dorbar Ri' of the indigenousinstitutions of the state. India and Bangladesh unveiled a border haat at Kalaicharin Meghalaya in July this year. The haats are aimed tore-create the thriving commerce shuttered forty years agoafter the creation of East Pakistan. The 'Dorbar Ri' also resolved to urge the Government toremedy the Assam-Meghalaya border dispute and the insurgencyproblem prevailing in Meghalaya within a given time frame. The tribal chiefs had earlier met in 2009 in the first'Dorbar Ri'. "The 'Dorbar Ri' is a unique assembly of chiefsfacilitating the revision and rectification of variousdeficiencies affecting the indigenous people of Meghalaya,"Kharshiing said. Stressing on the need of conformity of certain amendmentsmade to the Constitution of India as an Act of Parliament,Kharshiing said that the tribal chiefs would recommend to theSpeaker of the Meghalaya State Legislative Assembly to hold aspecial session at the Assembly with its members and the headsof the traditional institutions of Meghalaya. Milton Sangma, former Pro Vice Chancellor, NEHU andAdviser, Council of Nokmas Vice Chairman, Grand Council ofChiefs informed that the traditional institutions in Meghalayahad been since time immemorial headed by clan chiefs but afterthe advent of British colonial rule the system was subjugatedand the traditional chiefs were turned to mere custodians. Therefore, he said, "It was imperative that traditionalinstitutions retain their sovereignty in all spheres." Balajied S Syiem, one of the tribal chiefs, released aGaro book titled 'Nokma, uni Kamrang aro Bilrang' literallymeaning 'Nokma, his duties and powers'.

Bangla to Meghalaya, it's Wangala all the way

2011-11-13T00:22:00.001-08:00

ASANANG (Garo Hills): Attired in colourful Garo 'regalia' they made a brisk business selling traditional tribal hand-woven outfits. The Garo team, from Bangladesh, lent warmth to the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival here on Saturday.

There around 30,000 Garos living in Dhaka alone, said Jonson Emre, leader of a team of 28 Garo artists, craftsmen and women, which makes it a point to attend the Wangala festival every year.

In fact, Wangla is celebrated thrice in Bangladesh,the biggest one being at Bonani Vidya Niketan inDhaka, where, this year the chief guest was the agriculture minister of Bangladesh, Motiur Choudhury, said Emre with a tinge of pride in his voice. Former Bangladesh president Hussein Mohammed Ershad too attended our Wanglala festival in Dhaka, added Emre between selling typically designed Garo handloom from the neighbouring country.

Shantana Rangsa, who teaches tribal music at the Birisiri Cultural Academy, run by the Bangladesh ministry of culture in Dhaka was all demure draped in colourful Garo attire. "I also teach Nazrul Geeti and Rabindra Sangeet," she said, as her eager group of Wangala dancers waited for their turn to dance on the field. tnn

Meanwhile, despite a chilly weather with clouds overhead, thousands of people thronged the Asanang field to regale in the Wangala festivities.

Women from rural Garo villages literally had a field day with infants as babies as young as two months were seen firmly tied with traditional shawls on their backs.

Earlier, it was never like this. It's good that Wangala is now being celebrated with such fanfare. In fact, it is an ancient dance performed in almost every village of the Garo Hills, said an octogenarian Bhola Sangma, holding the hand of his septuagenarian wife Urvashi at the Wangala fair.

Israel to help Meghalaya in fish farming

2011-11-11T21:10:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Nov 12 Israeli experts will help Meghalaya to improve fish farming in the northeastern state, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has said.

Launching an awareness campaign about a state aquaculture mission, Sangma said late Thursday: “Experts from Israel have been invited to study and suggest measures to further improve fish farming by adopting modern techniques of fish culture.”

The objective of the programme is to create awareness among people about the aquaculture mission, the flagship programme of the state government proposed to be launched in April 1 next year.

The campaign is aimed at encouraging people to take up fish farming as one of the prospective employment opportunities besides contributing towards the economy of the state and also improve their livelihood.

Initially, the campaign will be held in Selsella, about 400 km from Shillong, before being held in other parts of the state wherein interested fish farmers will be enrolled so that they can avail the schemes meant for promoting aquaculture.

Sangma said the mission envisages investment in the fishery sector and addresses the problems of poverty, unemployment and underemployment in the hill state.

Traditionally, fish rearing has been virtually non-existent, but in the recent years, people have started undertaking fish farming as an alternative means of livelihood.

“The sector requires serious investments for it to make any significant impact on the livelihoods,” said K.N. Kumar, commissioner and secretary of fisheries.

“Fisheries is taken up in Meghalaya mostly as a secondary activity and the time has come for us to bring the sector to centre stage,” Kumar said.

Meghayala Seeks suggestions on marriage bill

2011-11-11T21:09:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Nov. 12 : In an attempt to speed up formulation of Meghalaya Compulsory Registration of Marriage Act, the state government has invited suggestions to the draft bill within two weeks.

The draft bill was posted recently on the state government website inviting suggestions.

The issue had figured in the last Assembly session in September.

Shillong-based NGO Mait Shaphrang Movement has also been pursuing the compulsory registration of marriage in the state for many years and it wanted the state government to enact a separate law on marriage registration.

According to the chairman of Mait Shaphrang Movement, Michael Syiem, a strong act was required to tackle the problem of broken marriages.

UDP legislator Ardent Basaiwmoit, who had raised the issue for the last three years in the Assembly, said there was a rise in number of child marriages and broken families in the state in the absence of any compulsory marriage registration.

According to Basaiwmoit, most of the marriages in the state were not legal since people were still following the traditional methods of marriage.

He said a majority of people chose not to solemnise or marry under the provisions of different personal laws like the Indian Christian Marriage Act, the Hindu Marriage Act, the Muslim Marriage Act and the Special Marriage Act.

Basaiwmoit said it was found that cohabitation was a very common practice among the indigenous population in the state, which has no legal sanction in the court of law.

The legislator said there were incidents in the state where child marriages are taking place without any check, affecting the future of girls who give consent to such marriages.

He said recently the Supreme Court, moved by the plight of women fighting for their rights under wedlock, ruled that all marriages should be registered in order to prevent child marriages, check bigamy or polygamy, help women to exercise their right to maintenance from husband and custody of children and enable widows to claim inheritance.

Church bats for indigenous people

2011-11-11T21:08:00.001-08:00

Cardinal Telesphore Toppo speaks to the reporters in Shillong on Friday.

Shillong, Nov. 12 : The Church feels that the rise of Maoist activities in the country is because of the subjugation of indigenous rights.
Stating that it was depressing to see young, educated indigenous people joining the Maoist struggle, Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi, today said, “The rise of Maoist activities is a question of justice. The indigenous people have been victims of injustice for a long time. They have been exploited far too long by others.”
The cardinal, a former president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, was speaking to journalists at the Archbishop’s House here. Cardinal Toppo arrived on Wednesday to inaugurate the Northeast Catholic Mission Congress, 2011.
“Maoist activities would not have flourished had there been justice for the indigenous people,” he said.
Asserting that the government should create employment avenues for the indigenous people, Cardinal Toppo, also a native of Jharkhand, said, “Many young people are not getting jobs. It is time that avenues should be created for such youths to join the mainstream.”
Asked about the role of the church in mitigating violence in conflict zones like in the Maoist belt, the cardinal said, “The church is a miniature group and it does not have the requisite resources to create employment avenues for the youths. It has been playing a role in the social sector, especially in education and health.”
However, when asked whether the church was approached by the government to help alleviate violence, he said, “To my knowledge, nothing of that sort has happened till date.”
On the larger issue of indigenous communities in the country, the cardinal said, “In a situation where only the fittest can survive, where will the indigenous communities and other marginalised groups stand? The indigenous people and the less privileged should be given benefits so that they can be at par with others.”
He said the abundant resources in the country should be judiciously used to improve the condition of the citizens, especially the marginalised.
The cardinal said the Church could utilise its educational institutions to propagate about the ills of corruption that was plaguing the country.
“People are more conscious now about corruption although there is no simple solution to the problem. The Church can play an important role as it has invested manpower and resources in education. Through educational institutions, the Church can enlighten the people about the issue,” Cardinal Toppo said.
On the use of “money power” in electoral politics, the cardinal said as long as the electorate was not enlightened about the democratic system, such plagues would recur.
He also informed that the general body meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India next February would discuss such crucial issues. The meeting on The Church’s Role for a Better India will be held from February 1-8 in Bangalore.
“We will be discussing such vital issues confronting the country and we will try to come out with suggestions,” the cardinal said.
Before signing off, Cardinal Toppo said, “People with goodwill cutting across all barriers must all work together to make India a better country.”

NGO fights for urchins in Shillong

2011-11-11T21:05:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Nov. 12 : A Christian NGO here is striving hard to build a permanent home to rehabilitate street urchins who dream of becoming “dons of Khyndai Lad” amid the hustle and bustle of a grimy life.

A majority of these urchins, many of whom are abandoned children camping in the lanes and bylanes of Khyndai Lad or Police Bazaar and its adjoining areas, aspire to be known as “dons”.

In the face of such an “impending threat”, which can multiply crimes of various dimensions, the NGO, Reach Shillong Ministries, is striving towards construction of a permanent abode for the helpless children.

The NGO began its journey in the winter of 2007 when four friends decided to do something for the uplift of street urchins.

Rev. Rueben Laloo, Ralph Laloo, Sanbor Ranga and another associate formed the NGO with the sole intention of imparting value-based education to abandoned and neglected children and women.

Over the last four years, the NGO has grown stronger. From just four people, it is now an organisation with around 80 members, comprising professionals, students, and church workers.

The NGO has also been able to create a shelter — Lawei Baphyrnai (Bright Future) — in the Umpling locality for the abandoned children.

As of now, 13 children are being housed in the shelter home and are being provided free education.

However, the NGO is eager to spread its wings beyond the confined space, and is looking forward to constructing a new dwelling for children at Nongumlong in Upper Shillong.

While the land at Nongumlong was gifted by a resident, the NGO is now working towards securing funds to build the home where the children will be given an alternative environment to grow and pick up skills through which they would be able to earn a decent living.

Today, a “jumble sale” was organised by the NGO at Madan Iewrynghep in Laitumkhrah to raise funds. Government agencies will also be approached to fund the project, which could be a ray of hope to the homeless.

“We hope that the home would see the light of day soon for the benefit of the neglected and abandoned children, who are multiplying with each passing moment,” Rueben Laloo, president of the NGO, said. However, before that the NGO is coming up with a drop-in centre in and around Khyndai Lad next year for the benefit of these children.

Since its inception, the Reach Shillong Ministries has been trying try to safeguard such children and women by organising counselling sessions at the English Service of the Presbyterian Church at Khyndai Lad.

Every Saturday, these children gather in church to be counselled, besides sharing a meal and receiving free medical check-up.

Laloo also drew attention to the rising number of abandoned children and impoverished women, who are being forced to leave their wards. Another major issue is the increase of children involved in rag-picking in the city, he said.

Laloo said compelled by poverty, several women deserted by their husbands were being forced into the flesh trade.

“There is a complete violation of child rights and children are being exposed to an unsuitable environment. There are also people, who use and misuse these children,” the Reach Shillong Ministries president said.

Laloo said he was not sure whether the Right to Education Act would be able to address such grave issues.

“We try to impart the teachings of Jesus Christ to these children to make them better human beings. If these children are neglected, the society will face grave threats. The sooner we realise the enormity of the problem, the better,” he said.

Bhaichung to visit Garo hills

2011-11-10T19:47:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Nov. 11 : Former India football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia will be arriving at Tura in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district on November 18, where he will grace the final match of the 6th MP Cup Football Tournament, 2011 as chief guest.

Bhutia, known as the poster boy of Indian football, was invited by Union minister of state for rural development and NCP Tura MP, Agatha K. Sangma.

The football tournament is being organised by the sports academy of P.A. Sangma Foundation, Tura.

“The people of Garo hills are very enthusiastic about his visit and the organisers are expecting a crowd of around 25,000. Most people want to catch a glimpse of Bhutia and also witness the finals,” Babeth Sangma, secretary of the foundation, said in a statement.

Bhutia has visited the state capital on earlier occasions as a player during the I-League season in 2009-10 where he represented East Bengal.

Earlier this year, he was in the city to play in the final leg of the second division I-League from his team — United Sikkim.

WiMAX inaugurated in Meghalaya

2011-11-10T19:00:00.003-08:00

Shillong, Nov 11 : Chief Minister of Meghalaya,Mukul M Sangma today inaugurated Wireless Interoperability forMicrowave Access (WiMAX) at Ampati Sub Divisional Office(Civil) in Garo Hills of Meghalaya.

Addressing the gathering Sangma said, "WiMAX is thelatest technology being deployed for high speed dataconnection for long distances."

WiMAX is basically a type of certification given to anequipment supplier by WiMAX forum, an official press releasesaid.

"The two driving forces of modern communication arebroadband and wireless.

The WiMAX standard combines the two,delivering high-speed broadband Internet access over awireless connection," a government release said.

Accused ‘tantrik’ hiding in Assam: BSF

2011-11-10T19:00:00.001-08:00

SHILLONG, Nov 11 – One of the fugitive wanted in the child sacrifice case in Garo Hills is said to be in Assam and has not fled to Bangladesh, the Border Security Force said here today.

Meghalaya IGP GHP Raju had earlier claimed that the ‘tantric’ Lukman Haqib of Mankachar town in Dhubri district of Assam has crossed over to Bangladesh from Mankachar border sometime last month.

The tantric is accused of murdering Krishna Singh, a seven-year-old boy of a BSF water carrier. The mutilated body was discovered from a dense undergrowth inside the BSF campus on October 6 bearing marks from a possible sharp object and his skin bore scars, possibly from incense sticks.

Two other accused in the case – Havildar Chandrawan of 121 Bn and constable Babu Khan of 162 Bn, both from the BSF, were arrested but granted bail by a district court in Garo Hills. The two BSF personnel have been placed under suspension.

BSF officials here said that as per information available, the tantric is in Assam and has not fled to Bangladesh as claimed by Meghalaya police. “He is definitely hiding in Assam and has not gone to Bangladesh,” a BSF official said here.

Meanwhile, Tura police is contemplating to move court to declare the tantrik as a proclaimed offender and attach his property in Mankachar town.

Wanted godman escapes to Bangladesh

2011-11-09T20:05:00.001-08:00

Shillong: A self-styled godman, wanted in a human sacrifice case at a BSF compound in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district, has dodged police and escaped to Bangladesh taking advantage of the porous border, police said on Wednesday.

The Assam-based 'tantrik' Luman Haqib had fled the country taking advantage of the porous Indo-Bangladesh border in Assam's Dhubri district late last month, they said.

"We lost him," Inspector General of Police (Western Range) GHP Raju told agency, adding that "It is a matter of time that Haqib will be brought to trial."

"We are following up with the Court exploring all possible legal options to get him to trial sooner or later," he said.

Armed with a non-bailable warrant against him, the Meghalaya police are resorting to "all possible legal options" to bring him back, he said.

Haqib was arrested by the Assam police on October nine, three days after the death of a seven year old boy at Tura but was released on surety at Mancachar police station.

Havildar Chandrawan and constable Babu Khan of the BSF have been released on bail last week in connection with the case.

The body of a seven year old Krishna Singh was recovered from near the BSF 121 battalion headquarters at Tura on October 6.

Post mortem report pointed to multiple injuries, including that of incense sticks, pierce wounds and others.

Meghalaya Government to search reasons behind prevalence of anemia

2011-11-09T19:36:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Nov 10 : The Meghalaya Government has decided to conduct a research to know the reasons for the high prevalence of anemia in the state.

Commissioner and Secretary for Health and Family Welfare Donald P Wahlang said, a team of doctors from Ganesh Das Hospital had been entrusted with the task of conducting a study to know the reasons behind the prevalence of anemia patients.

''It was found that many women after delivery died due to lack of blood which is also one of the reasons for the increase in the maternal mortality rate (MMR) in the state,'' he said.

Expressing serious concern over the lack of blood donors, especially in rural areas, Mr Wahlang said, ''Blood donation has to be staggered to various places including rural areas and people should donate their blood for saving the lives of those who are in need of blood.'' Revealing that Meghalaya was facing acute shortage of blood at present, Mr Wahlang said the government was also planning to have blood storages in various Community Health Centres in the state apart from blood banks.

At present, the state has blood banks in Shillong, Tura and NEIGRIHMS Mawdiangdiang besides those at private hospitals.

Mr Wahlang said the state government was waiting for licence from the Central Government to upgrade the blood storage at Jowai into a blood bank.

Activists demand strong Lokayukta in Meghalaya

2011-11-07T20:37:00.003-08:00

Shillong: Anti-graft activists in Meghalaya Monday demanded amendment to the Meghalaya Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta Act, 2002 on the lines of the ombudsman in Uttarakhand.

"We want the Meghalaya government to either amend or repeal the existing Meghalaya Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta Act, 2002 since, in the present form, it is toothless and anti-people," Meghalaya Right to Information Movement (MRTIM) chief Michael Syiem told reporters.

Stating that the MRTIM had been demanding an effective anti-corruption mechanism in Meghalaya for the last five years, Syiem said the government was attempting to appoint a Lokayukta in Meghalaya on the basis of a "toothless and anti-people" law.

"This law, which the government had kept in cold storage for more than 10 years, has been suddenly rediscovered as the government knows that the Lokayukta under it would be a powerless body," Syiem said.

Under the present law, the Lokayukta would be a body with merely investigating and recommendatory powers, he said.

It would have no power to initiate suo moto investigation and prosecute or punish corrupt public servants. The ombudsman would also lack financial, judicial and administrative independence, Syiem said.

"The chief minister would be exempted from the purview of Lokayukta and no grievances against ministers, MLAs and high-level bureaucracy could be entertained by this body," he added.

"This act makes it difficult for citizens to file complaints... the law also puts the life and liberty of the complainant in danger by disclosing his name to the accused public servant," Syiem said.

Meghalaya home minister rubbishes GNLA allegation

2011-11-07T20:37:00.001-08:00

SHILLONG: Meghalaya home minister HDR Lyngdoh on Thursday rubbished Garo National Liberation Army's (GNLA) claim that the policemen they killed and injured on Monday in East Garo Hills were not on patrolling duty but were extorting money from truckers,
Terming the allegation "baseless", he said the government will take extra precaution to ensure security of police personnel. "Police patrolling will be further intensified," he added. He said the government would not tolerate any such activity by militant organizations in the state. He hinted that more police personal would be deployed in those areas affected by militancy.

Business model for sports development proposed

2011-11-06T20:57:00.001-08:00

Lamenting over lack of professionalising sports activities in Meghalaya, Indian Institute of Management-Shillong Director Prof Ashoke K Dutta today proposed to set up a business model for sports development and management for gainful employment generation in Meghalaya. Meghalaya has abundance of talent, but there is still much room for professionalising various fields and disciplines of sporting activities, he said during a discussion on Effective Sports Management: A Catalyst for Performance . The discussion was organized by IIM-Shillong through its Centre for Development of North Eastern Region (CEDNER) and attended by various sports associations from the State. Prof Dutta also underscored the need of elements such as responsibilities, mandate, structure, organization, processes and information in Sports association, performance assessment and accountability to be realised as an interactive and interconnected system within the different organisations. Participating in the discussion through live video conference, Prof Douglas Michele Turco of Drexel University, US, highlighted the importance of collaborative academic research in this regard identifying multiple research areas like Market Research, Feasibility Studies etc through tie-ups between sports associations and academic institutions. This way the sports manager gets much better equipped to assess market potential and develop new products and services, Prof Turco, an expert in the field of sports management and research and development, said. Prof Turco had been involved with the Commonwealth Games, US Open Golf Championship, FIFA World Cup, ICC Cricket World Cup and a host of other global sporting events. He also suggested development of off-mainstream sports events for the North East in due consideration of her bountiful natural resources. Attended by leaders of various sporting federations and associations of Meghalaya, the one day meet was well appreciated for providing thought provoking dimensions towards sports and the possible research and developmental aspects, which could boost the functioning of the different sporting bodies. IIM Shillong must continue taking the agenda forward. While we know that there are problems, IIM Shillong can share its expertise through its on ground commitment to help make a difference, Meghalaya Swimming Association president Joe Marwein said. Echoing Mr Marwein, Meghalaya Cricket Association Secretary, Naba Bhattacharya said, It is time various bodies meet regularly and come up with a unified solutions to a unified problems. It is nice to know that we can bank upon the IIM to look for expert advice, and bring in a palpable change in the scenario of sports development.

NGOs demand effective anti-graft mechanism

2011-11-06T20:49:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Nov 7 : The Meghalaya Right to Information Movement, a group of NGOs, issued a press release today expressing dismay over the attempt of the state government to appoint a Lokayutka based on a “toothless and anti-people” Meghalaya Lokayukta and Up-lokayukta Act, 2002. It also demanded a repeal or an amendment to the act.

The group comprises activists like Michael N. Syiem, Angela Rangad and Tarun Bhartiya. “We have been demanding an effective anti-corruption mechanism in the state for the past five years, but we note with dismay the government’s attempt to appoint a Lokayukta based on a toothless and anti-people act,” the statement said.

Moreover, the movement said five years have elapsed after the rules were drafted, and the government is rushing to implement the act.

“This law, which the government had kept in cold storage for more than 10 years, has been suddenly rediscovered, as the government knows that the Lokayukta under the act would be a powerless body,” it said..

It also said under the present law that the government has passed, the Lokayukta would be a body with merely investigating and recommendatory powers. It has no power to initiate suo moto investigation. It has no power for prosecution or ordering punishment against corrupt public servants. The Lokayukta has no financial, judicial and administrative independence.

“Even its reach is restricted. The chief minister will be exempted from the purview of Lokayukta and no grievances against the chief minister, ministers, legislators and bureaucrats occupying the top echelons can be entertained by this body,” it said.

As this law predates the Right to Information Act, 2005, the movement said there are “contradictions” in the law. “Whereas citizens can access cabinet deliberations under the RTI, the Lokayukta cannot. Moreover, bureaucracy will decide which documents can be made accessible to the Lokayukta for its investigation,” it said.

“This act makes it difficult for citizens to file complaints. The complainant has to file an affidavit verified by a first class magistrate and also submit affidavits from any one who has provided him with evidence. If this was not all, the law also puts the life and liberty of the complainant in danger by disclosing the name of the complainant to the accused public servant,” the statement observed.

Moreover, it said the only power that the Lokayukta has is to punish a complainant, if he/she decides that a complaint is vexatious, frivolous or false. A complainant can be imprisoned and fined by the Lokayukta, thus discouraging any complaint.

“We strongly feel that this law ought to be repealed or at least amended. We also demand that government should stop the appointment of a powerless Lokayukta,” it said.

Recently, leader of Opposition Conrad K. Sangma asked chief minister Mukul Sangma to immediately appoint a Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta in the state.

Meghalaya home minister rubbishes GNLA allegation

2011-11-05T22:34:00.001-07:00

SHILLONG: Meghalaya home minister HDR Lyngdoh on Thursday rubbished Garo National Liberation Army’s (GNLA) claim that the policemen they killed and injured on Monday in East Garo Hills were not on patrolling duty but were extorting money from truckers,
Terming the allegation “baseless”, he said the government will take extra precaution to ensure security of police personnel. “Police patrolling will be further intensified,” he added. He said the government would not tolerate any such activity by militant organizations in the state. He hinted that more police personal would be deployed in those areas affected by militancy.
Four police personnel were shot dead by GNLA militants in an ambush at Nengapatchi in East Garo Hills on Monday evening. The incident occurred when the police was on a highway patrol on NH-62 at Nengpatchi, about 4 km from Dobu towards Darugre. In total, five persons were killed – four policemen and one civilian. Two rifles, one carbine and 2 SLRs were reported to be missing after the incident.
On the other hand, chief minister Mukul Sangma has reiterated his government’s firm resolve and commitment to take all necessary steps to tackle the problem posed by GNLA and other such groups and maintained no stone will be left unturned in ensuring peace across the state.
The government has already announced an ex gratia grant of Rs 7.5 lakh to the next of the kin of the deceased police personnel. Condemning the cowardly act by the suspected GNLA rebels, the CM said, “Such acts deserve to be condemned by all sections of society. The government will not rest until the perpetrators of this heartless act are apprehended and dealt with a firm hand in accordance with the law.”
Extending his “sincere sympathies” to the bereaved families, Sangma iterated that their” selfless sacrifice” for the cause of peace and security in the state would not go in vain.

Meghalaya will lead NE tourism: Mukul

2011-11-05T00:57:00.001-07:00

SHILLONG: Flagging of the Shillong Street Carnival marking the onset of the three-day Shillong Autumn Festival on Friday, chief minister Mukul Sangma expressed confidence that Meghalaya would take the lead in ensuring that the northeast, with its exotic beauty, would become the number one tourist destination in the country.

"Tourism will create opportunities for hundreds and thousands of youths in the region," said Sangma at the Fire Brigade Ground here from where the colourful carnival took off. It culminated on the Shillong Club premises.

"There is immense potential in the region and we should derive optimum economic benefit," he added even as he called upon the people of the region to "show the best to the world" and expressed confidence that the Shillong Autumn Festival would get "bigger and better" in the coming years.

Emphasizing "serious introspection" by all stakeholders, the CM stressed identification of areas which required to be tapped. "We should put our efforts together and create space for each other," he said, even as he announced that 2012 would be observed as "Year of the Youth" in Meghalaya.

Urban affairs minister Ampareen Lyngdoh urged all northeasterners to remember that despite differences they were all Indians. "Let's display our identity in diversity," she said. Former minister Robert G Lyngdoh, who is the chairman of Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum (MTDF), in collaboration with the state tourism department, The Times of India Group and several others, has been organizing this mega festival. He pointed out that promotion of tourism would open up economic avenues.

Meanwhile, the colourful floats of different states of the region, followed by yet another tableau on national integration spreading the message of "vandemataram" through the streets of Shillong on the opening day of the festival, had a message for all - India is North East and North East is indeed India in its diverse hues and beauty.

The festival would shift by the banks of the picturesque Umiam (Barapani) Lake on Saturday and Sunday.

Autumn festival begins today amid closure controversy

2011-11-03T21:58:00.001-07:00

Orchid Lake Resort at Umiam
Shillong, Nov. 4 : The stage is set for the commencement of the Shillong Autumn Festival tomorrow, though a section of social organisations and political parties today reiterated their opposition to the decision to conclude the gala on Sunday. They asked the organisers to respect the sentiments expressed by the religious leaders.
Chief minister Mukul Sangma will inaugurate the three-day festival at Madan Iewrynghep, Laitumkhrah, organised by the Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum (MTDF) in collaboration with the state tourism department.
The inauguration would be followed by a Shillong Carnival, which would converge on the Shillong Club premises where the fete and other festivities would be held.
On Saturday and Sunday, the venue would shift to Orchid Lake Resort, Umiam.
“Although we are not against the festival in totality, we are opposed to the decision to conclude the gala on Sunday,” Joe Marwein, working president of the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) said after a meeting with groups, who are not in favour of the Sunday festivities.
The meeting was attended by leaders of the Ri Bhoi Youth Federation (RBYF), Confederation of Ri Bhoi People (CORP), and from political parties like the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) and the NCP youth wing.
Marwein, while asking the organisers to respect the sentiments expressed by church leaders through the Shillong Khasi-Jaintia Church Forum (SKJCF), said, “We feel that it wasn’t correct to call the church leaders for an open debate, which was telecast live. We also strongly condemn the use of abrasive language against those who oppose the Sunday festivities by likening them to fundamentalists and the Taliban.”
Marwein said the opposing groups have decided not to create any trouble on Sunday, but they would be writing to the government to put an end to the practice of holding festivities on Sundays.
On Tuesday, the church forum, while asserting that it was not against the gala, reminded that Sunday is a “sacred day” for Christians.
KHNAM general secretary Pyndap Saibon said, “Tourism will not grow by organising festivities on a Sunday. The MTDF should also have a long-term plan to promote the trade in different parts of the state with a special focus on the interior regions.”
He also said in September, the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) had rescheduled its proposed bandh in Garo Hills, as the days coincided with the Durga Puja festival.
“Even a group like the GNLA had the heart to respect the religious sentiments of other faiths,” Saibon said.
Clifford Nengnong, working president of NCP youth wing, said the need of the hour is to have a debate on other imperative issues like the mushrooming of cement plants in different parts of the state, which has harmed the environment, agricultural issues, unemployment problems faced by the youth and the problems confronted by people in the interiors.
FKJGP general secretary W. Rani said, “We will not be creating any unpleasant scene on Sunday, but we would like to appeal to the people to ponder over what the church leaders had already expressed.”
The MTDF had said Sunday would be celebrated as “Family Day” implying that no alcohol would be sold in the venue.

Garo Hills scene out of hand: Conrad Sangma

2011-11-03T21:44:00.001-07:00

SHILLONG, Nov 4 – Leader of the Opposition, Conrad Sangma today asked the Chief Minister Mukul Sangma to immediately hold a meeting of the security commission as the Garo Hills ‘situation was going out of hand.’

In his letter to the Chief Minster, Sangma said, the security commission meeting is long overdue and it should be held to discuss the worsening law-and-order situation in Garo Hills.

“The law-and-order situation is really serious and getting out of hand. As a member of the security commission, I feel the commission should meet immediately and discuss the situation and look for resolution of the same,” he said in his letter.

He said separately to reporters that fear psychosis has gripped Garo Hills as even MLAs are threatened and getting extortion notes from the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA).

“People have lost confidence… more armed forces coming won’t solve the issue, but the government should think in terms of giving special economic package for the insurgency-prone areas of Garo Hills,” he added.

He said that economic measures should target creation of job avenues, especially for the youths, with the help of local leaders and involvement of the Church. Moreover, the government must try to put in place basic amenities for the people of the three districts of Garo Hills.

Sangma said that the GNLA problem can be solved by inviting the outfit for talks with the government. “The government must invite the GNLA for talks so that the situation is brought under control. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth approach would not solve the problem,” he maintained.

Shillong beckons visitors as autumn gives way to winter

2011-11-03T02:16:00.001-07:00

SHILLONG: Before giving way to winter in the hills, the season of fun and festivity has a lot in more to offer. The three-day annual Shillong Autumn Festival with the theme 'Experiencing the North East', will kick off on November 4.

"With more and more involvement of communities, we are endeavoring to turn this into a truly peoples' festival," said Robert G Lyngdoh, chairman of theMeghalaya Tourism Development Forum (MTDF), which is organizing the gala festival in collaboration with the Meghalaya Tourism Department and The Times of India Group along with others.

The popular festival will begin with 'Shillong Street Carnival' involving localities, schools and colleges besides performances by cultural troupes from the eight northeastern states. The carnival will include a cultural parade, float parade followed by fetes and festivities to conclude the carnival at the Shillong Club.

"All the localities of Shillong are invited to set up stall at the venue at subsidized rates," said Lyngdoh, adding that the MTDF was keen on reviving the tradition of the popular fetes in the city. "The theme for the carnival parade will be 'Shillong'," he said as he informed that there would be attractive prize money for the participants.

On November 5 and 6, the festival will shift to the scenic Orchid Lake Resort at Umiam (Barapani) for the grand finale. "All the states of the region will be represented in mega 'haats' constructed at the resort against the backdrop of a lake surrounded by verdant hills and blue sky. Sunday, the penultimate day of the festival, would be a 'family day', when no alcohol would be sold at the venue," said Larsing M Sawian, president of the Forum.

The North East Cultural Extravaganza would showcase the famous Manipuri Krishna Ballet, Pong Cholam and Thang-ta martial arts display. Other performances would include the sensual Hojaigiri dance from Tripura, Snow Lion dance from Sikkim and traditional games from Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland and performances by Garo and Khasi drummers.

"This year, the festival would also feature some unique performances by the North Central Zone Cultural Centre, featuring 103 dancers from Rajasthan, UttarPradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar," he informed. A fashion show by eminent designers and models from the northeast, including Bonney Darrang from Arunachal, Nandini from Assam, Daisy Momin from Tura and Keds from Nagaland would be showcased during the event.

The festival will also include entertainment in the form of adventure sports, fashion and music. "This year, visitors will witness never before seen acro flights at Umiam by ace para-glider pilots from France," Sawian said.

Prominent bands and musicians from the region and other parts of the country would entertain the visitors. The bands would include Shaiir 'N' Funk, Raghu Dixit, Reuben Mashangvaand besides the homegrown 4thElement, Streets Stories and Dossers Urge and others.

"The festival will also be an epicurean experience displaying a variety of brews and dishes of the northeast. There will be stalls of the brews from the region, local fruit wine and mouthwatering cuisines," one of the organizers said.

The Shillong Autumn Festival, which has been gaining widespread popularity over the years, attempts to showcase the diverse culture, cuisine and products of the northeast, which boasts of as many as 166 tribes and sub-tribes under one roof. It is aimed at creating a 'melting pot' and an atmosphere that reflects the natural beauty, culture and traditional products in one venue and give the visitor a taste of the exotic region.

NCPCR notice to Meghalaya on child labourers

2011-11-01T22:44:00.001-07:00

New Delhi, Nov 1 (PTI) Concerned over reports of childlabourers working in dismal conditions in Meghalaya's coalbelts, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights(NCPCR) today asked the state to undertake mapping of schoolsin the area around Jaintia Hills district. NCPCR has asked the Meghalaya government to undertakethis exercise in the coal mines and coal depot areas ofLad-Rymbai and Rymbai in Jaintia Hills district. It has alsoasked the concerned department to ensure that mapping ofschools and survey of out-of-school children in the state isdone within three months, officials said. An NCPCR team had visited the state from October 16-18to look into the problem of child labour in coal mines. The team, led by Yogesh Dube, also met the Chief Secretaryand representatives from various departments including SocialWelfare, Education, Labour, Mining and Police, local NGOs,among others. The visiting team had expressed its displeasure overthe dismal condition of child labourers in the coal mines aswell as widespread prevalence of child labour in other sectorslike hotels, restaurants and market places, officials said. The team officials were also shocked to learn about thepathetic situation of the street children, disabled andHIV/AIDS affected children in the state.

Meghalaya Autumn Fest to project NE

2011-10-28T21:38:00.000-07:00

SHILLONG, Oct 29 – Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation along with Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum (MTDF) are all set to project the rich and colourful cultures of the North Eastern region at the Shillong Autumn Festival 2011, said former Meghalaya Minister and MTDF spokesman, RG Lyngdoh.

Addressing a press conference at Shillong Press Club here, Lyngdoh said the North East has been misrepresented in the mainstream India as the region is plagued with guns, AIDS and law and order problem. He said the aim of the forthcoming festival is to dispel all the misconceptions of the region.

“Experience the North East” has been decided as this year’s theme of the Shillong Autumn Festival as the rallying point to create awareness, a place to expose and sell the natural products of the State and the North East”, Lyngdoh said.

The three-day Autumn Festival would kick off on November 4 with the Shillong Street Carnival involving the localities, schools and colleges and cultural troupes of the eight States of North East, Lyngdoh said, adding that the cultural parade would be part of the festival.

The grand finale of the festival would be shifted to the scenic Orchid Lake Resort at Barapani near here which would be represented by mega haats against the backdrop of the lake.

He also informed that the North East Cultural Extravaganza would showcase the Manipuri Krishna Ballet, Pung Cholom and Thang Ta (Martial Arts) display.

The festival would also include adverture sport, fashion and music, said Lyngdoh, adding that the visitors would also witness never seen before Acro Flights by Ace Paraglider pilots from France.

Meghalaya CM hands over cheque to Drum festival organisers

2011-10-28T21:36:00.001-07:00

Shillong, Oct 29 (PTI) Meghalaya Chief Minister MukulSangma today handed a cheque of Rs 14.57 lakh to theorganizers of the Wangala Hundred Drum Festival to be heldfrom November 10 to November 12, next at Asanang in West GaroHills District of Meghalaya. Addressing a press conference here, Sangma said the stategovernment would extend financial support to such festivals,so that they could be held in a grand way, as also to attractdomestic and foreign tourists. Sangma said the state government has taken upon itselfthe responsibility to make Meghalaya a major touristdestination in the North Eastern Region. He said it would be more attractive for the tourists ifthey could also visit other North East States at one go. The Chief Minister suggested that there should be a NorthTour ackage by roping in other states of the region to enablethe tourists stay longer in the region and subsequently earnmore revenue from the tourism sector. As of now the tourists who come to region normally visitMeghalaya and Kaziranga National Park in Assam, Sangma said,adding that the time has to market North East as touristdestination. When asked about militancy could be a major set fortourism, Sangma said the root cause of militancy has to betackled. Militancy is not as glitter as one looks particularlywhen the militants are on the run. The have to face a lot ofhardship while staying in the jungle with malaria and otherdiseases. That is why many of the youths who have taken upmilitancy come back and surrender, he said. The chief minister said the state government was tryinghard to introduce some of the flagship programmes in a missionmode to ensure rapid economic development amongst the people.

Agatha lambasts Meghalaya over poor show

2011-10-26T21:34:00.001-07:00

TURA, Oct 27 – Union Minister of State Agatha K Sangma has alleged that a major chunk of funds for development of Meghalaya comes from her Rural Development Ministry and Agriculture Ministry in New Delhi but implementation by the State remains poor.

“There are many a time when State Government officials complain about delay in release of Central funds. But when I looked into the mater it was found that the State seldom implement the schemes given by New Delhi. I have to regularly intervene in the matter,” said Agatha Sangma.

She revealed that Minister for Rural Development had even asked her as to why implementation of Central schemes in Meghalaya remain poor.

She was addressing a conference of the opposition NCP that took place in South Garo Hills on Saturday. The conference lambasted the ruling Congress in Meghalaya for staking claim to various implementation of schemes that were taken up during the tenure of the NCP-led MPA Government in 2008-2009.

Top leaders of the NCP including Agatha K Sangma, Rajya Sabha MP Thomas A Sangma, Leader of the opposition in the State Assembly Conrad K Sangma and veteran politician from Garo Hills and former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno A Sangma participated in the conference that took place at Sibbari border village of South Garo Hills.

Leader of the opposition and former Finance Minister Conrad K Sangma was the most vocal in his criticism of the Mukul Sangma-led Congress Government in the State.

“Today the Congress Government in the State is boasting of bringing various Central schemes to the State but if you look a little closer you will see that these were schemes we had proposed and forwarded for sanction to the Centre,” said Conrad Sangma.

“Eighty per cent of the Meghalaya Government’s budget is funded by the Centre. Out of Rs 4,000 crores for Meghalaya, Rs 3,500 crore is borne by the Centre”, he said.

He alleged that there is a huge racket in siphoning of Central funds in Meghalaya which is testament to the lack of development of the rural areas despite so much funds being provided by New Delhi.

Purno A Sangma also joined in the criticism for lack of development. He was appalled by the pathetic road condition in South Garo Hills and blamed it on the Mukul Sangma Government for delaying the inauguration of completed roads and bridges so as to take the laurels for work done by his government In 2008-09.

Accused of voyeurism in Meghalaya, BSF denies charge

2011-10-25T21:26:00.001-07:00

Guwahati, Oct 26 : Less than three weeks after two Border Security Force (BSF) constables in Meghalaya allegedly sacrificed a minor to be relieved of infertility, troopers of the paramilitary unit in the state have now been accused of voyeurism.

Earlier this week, the people of Nongtyngur village near the
India-Bangladesh border in West Khasi Hills district accused BSF personnel of patrolling unnecessarily in the area to watch local women bathe and pester them. Nongtyngur is 70 km southwest of Meghalaya capital Shillong.

The BSF denied the charge and said some locals involved in cattle smuggling were instigating the villagers. “Strict vigil has helped us curb cattle smuggling in the area for the past six months. Certain people don’t want our men to patrol a cattle smuggling route along a river near the village close to the border,” said BSF spokesperson Ravi Gandhi from Shillong on Tuesday.

Nongtyngur villagers, however, rubbished the BSF claim. “We cannot recall a single instance in the last many years when BSF personnel arrested any smuggler,” said a villager Bubu.

Shillong Autumn Festival to begin on November 4

2011-10-25T04:11:00.001-07:00

SHILLONG: The three-day annual Autumn Festival held in Shillong with the theme 'Experiencing the North East', will begin on November 4. The popular event, which boasts of as many as 166 tribes and sub-tribes under one roof, attempts to showcase the diverse culture, cuisine and products of the northeast, giving tourists a taste of the exotic region. The festival promises to be filled with fun and festivity.

"We are attempting to turn this into a peoples' festival with more involvement from the communities," says Robert G Lyngdoh, chairman of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum (MTDF), which is organizing the festival in collaboration with Meghalaya Tourism Department and The Times of India Group.

The festival will begin with the 'Shillong Street Carnival' involving localities, schools, colleges and cultural troupes from the eight North-Eastern states. The carnival will include a cultural and float parade themed 'Shillong' followed by a fete to conclude the carnival at the Shillong Club. "There will be attractive prize money for those who are able to impress the judges. All the localities of Shillong are invited to set up stalls at the fete at subsidized rates," said Lyngdoh. "The MTDF is keen on reviving the tradition of fetes in the city," he added.

On November 5 and 6, the festival will shift to Orchid Lake Resort at Umiam (Barapani). The festival will include entertainment in the form of adventure sports, fashion and music. "This year, the visitors will witness acro flights at Umiam by ace para-gliding pilots from France," said Larsing M Sawian, president of MTDF.

The North-East Cultural Extravaganza will showcase the famous Manipuri Krishna Ballet, Pong Cholam and Thang-ta martial arts. Other performances include the Hojaigiri dance from Tripura, Snow Lion dance from Sikkim and traditional games from Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Garo and Khasi drummers will also showcase their talent. A fashion show showcasing creations by eminent designers from the North-East including Bonney Darrang from Arunachal, Nandini from Assam, Daisy Momin from Tura and Keds from Nagaland will be held.

"The festival will also feature some unique performances by the North Central Zone Cultural Centre, featuring 103 dancers from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar," said Sawian. Prominent bands and musicians from the region and other parts of the country would entertain the visitors. The bands include Shaiir 'N' Funk, Raghu Dixit, and Reuben Mashangvaand besides the homegrown 4th Element, Streets Stories, Dossers Urge and others.

"All the states of the region will be represented in mega 'haats' constructed at the resort. Sunday, the penultimate day of the festival will be a 'family day' and no alcohol will be sold at the venue on that day," he informed.

"The festival will also be an epicurean experience as a variety of local brews and dishes will be available," one of the organizers said.

RTI hearing through video conferencing in Meghalaya shortly

2011-10-25T01:23:00.001-07:00

Shillong, Oct 25 : The Meghalaya State Information Commission will introduce video conferencing system to conduct of hearing on RTI complaints in the state.

Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) CD Kynjing said here today that steps are being taken for conduct of hearing with the help of video conferencing.

This will be the first time in the country that video conferencing is being contemplated for hearing of RTI complaints, Mr Kynjing informed.

Further, in order to bring the commission closer to RTI information seekers living in remote places of the state, Mr Kynjing mentioned that a hearing was also conducted at Tura to make it easier for the applicants from Garo Hills region to come for the hearing.

Many of the applicants are not fully conversant with the procedure and aware of their rights under the RTI, the CIC pointed out that it was necessary to create a lot of awareness to the people of the state.

He also informed that the commission on its part has been conducting awareness campaign, trainings and capacity building from time to time.

Since the inception of the commission on March 3, 2006, only 102 cases of appeals and 175 cases of complaints have been disposed off by the commission.

Karate king who put N-E on world map dies

2011-10-25T00:46:00.001-07:00

Shillong, Oct. 25 : The master who had put Meghalaya on the karate map of the world by grooming several youngsters who went on to win in international competitions, died last evening after a prolonged illness.

Coach, friend and mentor Stephan Leong, who turned 52 on October 18, had a glittering career spanning almost three decades.

Leong, the man who formed the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association in 1981, took up martial arts as a career in 1973. After nine years of training, he went to Singapore and Malaysia for further training and obtained 1st Dan Black Belt in karate.

From 1976, he started training students while sharpening his skills with the ambition of achieving higher goals.

He was also a holder of the rank 4th Dan Black Belt in Shotokan Karate awarded by the Japan Karate Association, and 5th Dan Black Belt in karate awarded by the All India Karate-Do Federation (AIKF) which is recognised by the World Karate Federation.

For several years, as a keen karate practitioner and dedicated instructor, Leong had trained many karatekas of the Northeast in general and Meghalaya in particular, thus raising them up to the level of national champions and even world champions.

“He was more than a teacher to us. He made a lot of contribution to the state and the country. Without him karate would not have been popular in Meghalaya. We owe a lot to him,” Linza Fenny Syiem, karate coach in the state directorate of sports and youth affairs, told The Telegraph. Syiem, an international achiever in karate, was one of those who were groomed by Leong. She won her first international gold medal at the 7th Junior Shoto World Cup Karate Championship held in Paris in 1998.

On Leong’s contribution to her success, Syiem said: “Besides the grace of God, he was the main person to whom I attribute my achievements.”

Saying Leong would be deeply missed in the karate circuit, she said: “The most befitting tribute we can pay to him is by putting more effort to popularise the art in the state.” Like Syiem, Damang Syngkon, a four-time national champion and gold medallist in the men’s 50kg category at the 8th SAF Games and who represented India in the 14th Asian Games at Busan in 2002, is also another achiever who grew under Leong.

“He has always been like a father figure to us. Meghalaya got its first international medal in sports and games through the efforts of Leong. He was able to bring out many champions and this itself speaks volumes about the man. His departure has left a big void,” Syngkon, now a junior karate coach in West Garo Hills district, said.

Banshanlang Kharumnuid is also another player who won international accolades under Leong’s guidance.

“I have been associated with Leong since I was nine years old. He was not only my master in karate but he was also like a father to me. Most of my years were spent with him. He guided me in almost every aspect of my life. He was the one who shaped me up to the way I am today,” Kharumnuid said.

Leong had also participated in the International Karate Open Championship held at Kuala Lumpur in 1984. He was also appointed coach for the Indian contingent for the 8th Shoto World Cup held in Tokyo in September 2000. He dedicated most of his life to the promotion of karate in Meghalaya in particular and the region in general and was previously the technical director in Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. Till his death, Leong was the karate coach at the Sports Authority of India, Shillong.

Leong was bestowed with U Kiang Nangbah Award for sports by the Meghalaya government in 2003. His body will be laid to rest here tomorrow.

Burying their differences as organisers in two rival organisations, sports organisers and karatekas Manoj Hazarika and Nogen Bonjang agreed that Leong’s death has left a void in the field of karate in the Northeast. “It is an irreparable loss for the region in particular and the nation in general. It is a void which could not be filled up in the near future. I have not only lost a personal friend of mind, the region has also lost a popular coach. He died at a time when there was much to be derived from him by the nation,” Hazarika, the secretary of All Style Karate-do Association, Assam (ASKAA), told The Telegraph in Guwahati.

Hazarika and Leong were trained together in Shotokan Karate of Japan Karate Association under Gitaraj Chouhan in Shillong in 1979. “I found Leong a great opponent to fight and improve my skills. He was a gifted player,” Hazarika said.

“As an organiser and coach, I would salute him because a friendly jibe from my side prompted him to take it up a challenge and revolutionise karate in Meghalaya. His initiatives helped Meghalaya surpass Assam in the sport and make the state a force to reckon with the national circuit,” Hazarika said.

Hazarika took a dig at the All India Karate-do Federation’s policy saying that it never recognised his capability to coach and produce players for the nation. “The federation never considered taking his service for any national duty,” he said.

Bonjang, on the other hand, felt none could replace Leong in the karate revolution of the region. “He was not only a pioneer of karate in Meghalaya but also pioneered the revolution in the entire region. He helped every state of the region in developing karate as a sport,” Bonjang, the secretary of the United Karate-do Association, Assam, told The Telegraph.

UKAA coach Ram Bahadur Gurung, who learnt karate from Leong, felt it was Leong who pioneered karate in Assam too.

“Most of the players from the region who represented the nation were trained by Leong and he was the most revered coach in this part of the country,” Gurung said.

Th. Kiran Singh, one of the pioneers of karate in Manipur, said Leong was an outstanding figure in the sport in the region as well as the nation and his demise an irreparable loss for the country. “In my association with Leong in the North Eastern Karate Federation, I have found him not very comfortable with the attitude of the national federation towards the Northeast and thus he took it up as a challenge to produce the best karatekas for the nation from the region,” Singh said in Imphal.

Karate organising bodies in all the states of the region, including ASKAA, UKAA and Manipur Karate Association, organised condolence meetings this evening and sent their messages to the bereaved family.

Tools aid for Rabhas, Garos

2011-10-25T00:44:00.000-07:00

Genang (Meghalaya), Oct. 25 : Tension has subsided since the ethnic clashes broke out between Rabha and Garo communities here in January, but the violence that continued for about a fortnight was enough to rob 2,000 poor families living along the Assam-Meghalaya boundary of their livelihood.

However, today the villagers affected by the ethnic clashes had some relief with the Assam branch of the Indian Red Cross Society jointly with the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) launching the Micro Economic Initiative Programme for economic security of the villagers.

Under this special programme, 276 families belonging to both Rabha and Garo communities in Genang and Thapa Dangre villages in East Garo Hills of Meghalaya and Puthimari and Ginogre villages in Assam’s Goalpara district were provided grants to assist them pick up their farming or other income generating activities.

These included weaving equipment, pulling carts, bicycles, flying shuttle, agricultural equipment and mason tools.

“We have identified at least 2,000 families whose livelihood sources were badly affected and they were struggling to cope with the situation. We have started the programme in four villages and will cover the remaining villages gradually. We don’t give cash and instead provide need-based support to make sure that the grants are properly utilised to improve their condition,” public relations co-ordinator of ICRC Deba Prasad Sarma said here.

Around 5,000 families, comprising over 60,000 people, were affected in the ethnic clashes between Rabha and Garo villagers in January which broke out following a strike called by the All Rabha Students Union.

More than 200 women gathered at the playground of Resubelpara, a Rabha village in East Garo Hills, where the grants were distributed by ICRC member Paul Kin and cooperation assistant Diganta Bujarbaruah.

The villagers applauded in unison but the haunting memories of the clashes and the grief of losing their belongings were writ large on their faces.

Hema Rabha, 23, was five months pregnant when criminals came rushing to her Resubelpara village under Mendipathar police station and burnt all their four houses, stocks of 10 quintal paddy and her two weaving machines (tat sal).

“I rushed to the nearby hills and stayed there for some time before my husband took me to the relief camp. Before the clashes, I used to earn about Rs 2,000 every month by weaving our traditional clothes — Rabha dokhona. Today I got a weaving machine and from tomorrow I will try to resume work,” Hema told this correspondent, holding her seven-month-old baby girl, Christina.

Similar was the story of Shodesh Sangma, a Garo villager at Puthimari village in Goalpara, who lost his handcart in the clashes. He was provided a handcart today.

Lokpal bill cloud on RTI

2011-10-22T21:12:00.001-07:00

Shillong, Oct. 23 : Meghalaya’s chief information commissioner Chester D. Kynjing said the introduction of Jan Lokpal bill in the winter session may “overshadow” the existing Right to Information Act, 2005. He was delivering the valedictory address at a seminar here today.

“We are all aware that there is a strong movement to pressure the government to frame the Lokpal bill in the country to root out corruption. We really don’t know how much power will be given and how much teeth it (the Lokpal) will have. But it will be successful only if information is freely available. There is also likelihood that it may overshadow the present RTI act,” Kynjing said.

The two-day seminar on Strengthening Participatory Democracy: Five years of the Role of RTI was held at Synod College, Jaiaw. It was organised by the P.A. Sangma Foundation in collaboration with Synod College and NGOs Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) India Office and Media for Change, New Delhi.

“There are allegations of corruption everywhere in the country. To dispel such doubts and fears, people should seek for information and find out for themselves as to how things are done,” Kynjing said.

“During the five years of implementation of the RTI act in the state, it would appear as if the public authorities have been very active and cooperative, and perhaps because of that, the complaints under Section 18 and appeal under Section 19 are not forthcoming to the Meghalaya State Information Commission.”

He said 102 cases of appeals and 175 cases of complaints have been disposed of by the commission since its inception on March 3, 2006.

“While it is true that our government functioning is quite transparent in comparison to other states in the sense that officers and public representatives are easily accessible to people, this is mainly perhaps because many of the applicants are not fully conversant with the procedure and aware of their rights under the RTI. Therefore, it is still necessary to create a lot of awareness to the people of our state,” Kynjing stated.

Improve infra in NE for trade: Meghalaya CM

2011-10-22T21:11:00.001-07:00

New Delhi: The markets for the North-eastern region historically and geographically lie in India's neighbouring countries and these need to be rebuilt with appropriate trade protocols and improvement of infrastructure, Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said on Saturday.

Addressing the National Development Council meeting, Sangma said basic infrastructure such as communication, power, etc to the existing land custom stations in the region is urgently required as this will provide an impetus for development of trade with Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

"Greater attention should be given to a trade corridor from Bhutan to Chittagong through Dhubri and the Garo Hills," he said.

The chief minister said the last month's visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Bangladesh has helped to usher in an understanding of the difficulties, as well as the expectations between Bangladesh and the North-eastern states.

"We congratulate the Prime Minister for the initiatives taken, and hope that pending and unresolved issues will be addressed expeditiously in the spirit of statesmanship which has been portrayed by the leaders of both countries," he said.

Sangma said it is an undeniable fact that having trade links with Bangladesh will be beneficial to the entire North-eastern region.

'Infiltration from Bangladesh impacting demography'

2011-10-21T21:49:00.001-07:00

Shillong, Oct 22 : Infiltration from Bangladesh is posing a demographic threat due to vast stretches of the India-Bangladesh border being unfenced, a top police officer said Friday.

"Infiltration is still taking place because of the unfenced border,” Sudesh Kumar, Border Security Force (BSF) Inspector General (Assam-Meghalaya Frontier), told journalists here.

Kumar said that due to opposition from villagers, about 130 km of India’s border with Bangladesh in the Jaintia Hills sector alone has not been fenced and the area remains vulnerable to infiltration.

“We have identified vulnerable areas where we are conducting joint patrolling in those sensitive areas,” he added.

Meghalaya share a 443 km international border with Bangladesh.

Kumar said that there was an urgent need to fence the entire stretch of India’s border with Bangladesh to prevent infiltration and cross-border terrorism.

On Thursday, the BSF arrested an ULFA "captain", Dergrah Saronia alias Ananda Das, after he infiltrated from Bangladesh to India via the West Garo Hills. Saronia, a member of the ULFA central committee, was arrested from the Chandabui area.

Kumar also said that violence in the northeast had decreased mainly because of the meeting between union Home Minister P.C. Chidambaram, BSF chief Raman Srivastava and Border Guard Bangladesh chief Maj. Gen. Anwar Hussain when a Border Management Coordinated Plan was formulated.

Coal mine owners told to register their migrant labourers

2011-10-21T03:20:00.001-07:00

The government of Meghalaya has asked all coal mine owners and cement plant operators in Jaintia hills district to get their migrant labourers registered under work permit system being introduced recently in the state. In an order issued by the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Khliehriat today, the coal mine owners, cement plant operators, contractors and other companies were directed to register their migrant labourers with the labour inspector at the earliest. Khliehriat Civil Sub-division has several thousand of migrant workers and there are concern among the local people of the district that they could swamp by the rising population of non-tribal labourers. The state government had notified implementation of work permit system on October 14. Separate committees at the district-level and sub-divisional levels are also being constituted to register all migrant labourers.

Child trafficking in Jaintia Hills coal mines

2011-10-19T21:13:00.001-07:00

Dimapur, Oct 20 : National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) held a meeting at Pinewood, conference hall at 11:30 am on October 17, 2011. NCPCR held the meeting in coordination with the Social Welfare Department, government of Meghalaya with the presence of various NGOs from Meghalaya.
A press note issued by Ibanshandor Myrthong, Intern (Impulse NGO) stated that the NCPCR called for the meeting with regard to a complaint filed by Impulse NGO Network on the trafficking of children on the coal mines in Jaintia Hills. Following up on a case where the Impulse NGO Network has filed, presenting with the statistics of how many children were working on the coal mines, and that how there has been a delay on the part of the government to implement the Right to Education Act and Child Labour policies he said, “The Commission will be compelled to call for a public hearing.”
Dr. Dube, also addressed the meeting saying that the government should not only look on numbers, but also check on facts to overcome the issues and the state should set up a Shelter Home in order to give shelter for the children who are being rescued from the coal mines by various NGOs working for the betterment of the children. The commission took cognisance in the matter the NGOs are working for the uplift of the children in the state and the country as a whole.
The note also mentioned that Impulse NGO Network has filed a complaint regarding the misbehaviour of some unknown people in the Meghalaya Hindu Mission Orphanage, where the children are being beaten up and threaten to be chased out of the said orphanage. The commission will investigate the matter and had taken the statement of a boy who had been abused in the orphanage. Dr. Yogesh Dube, member of the NCPCR present at the meeting thanked the NGO for their hard work and also invited them to work as an extended arm to help the commission. Members of the Impulse NGO Network, Child Line collaborative organisation- Bosco Reach Out, Reach Ministry, CSWO, Legal Rights Forum, Lympung Ki Seng Kynthei were present in the meeting.

Meghalaya guv worried over functioning of pvt varsities

2011-10-18T21:52:00.001-07:00

SHILLONG: Meghalaya governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary on Tuesday expressed concerned over the growing number of non-functional private educational institutions in the state.

Inaugurating the interim campus of the University of Technology and Management (UTM) here on Tuesday, the governor observed that over the last five-and-half years, the state government had passed legislations establishing eleven universities, which had ten private ones. However, he rued the fact that only one of these was functioning to "some level of satisfaction".

"We want reputed corporate entities to establish educational institutions," he said expressing his worries about poor performance of the private institutes established in recent times.

Stating that education should not be commercialized as 90 per cent of the people in the country were left out of the ambit of higher education, Mooshahary said, "Commerce should not be given a narrow interpretation". He maintained that commerce too could be 'dignified' as he said education should not be opened up for the private sectors only for making profits.

Stating that learning was not merely for earning, he emphasized on "building of conscience" in the minds of students to make them responsible citizens.

In her speech, Ampareen Lyngdoh, state minister for housing, municipal administration, science and technology and urban affairs, underscored that the newly-established university must deliver on its promises made to people. "Several universities, institutionalized in the state, have fallen short of expectations," she said.

Chancellor Sanjay Kaul spoke on the "vision and mission" with which the university is envisaging to move ahead in the chosen domains. He added that the concept of this university was about 'lifestyle' and it was technology-driven with focus on employability.

Pro-VC SN Suri said the university's journey so far has been short but significant. "The university will introduce latest academic features and will start with a few programs in the first academic session, commencing in July 2012," Suri added.

"The university aims at serving the youth from the northeastern states and envisages expanding opportunities in professional and technical education for students, and equipping them with employability that will help them acquire jobs," he said.

The Hydrocarbons Education & Research Society (HERS) is the sponsor of the new varsity.

In its corporate social sector endeavor, the new varsity has 'adopted' the Laitumkhrah Bengali Secondary School.

Citizens Committee to be formed for better policing

2011-10-17T20:45:00.001-07:00

The Meghalaya government has decided to form a citizens committee at the state and police station level for better policing, a police official said. The idea of forming the citizens committee is to improve the quality of policing and better communication between the citizens and the state police, the official said. We need the support of the citizens for providing better police service and therefore, we have decided to formed this committees by November, Meghalaya Director General of Police, N Ramachandran told UNI. In the committees eminent people from the community would be the members, especially the traditional heads who would be able to provide better road maps for effective policing. The members would be apolitical persons to avoid unnecessary allegations of being politically influenced in any of the decisions taken, he said. He said the formation of the committees at the different police stations would help the quality of policing and ensure better cooperation between the citizen and the government. People s support is a must to ensure better policing in the state, the customers are the citizen of the police service, the DGP stated. He, meanwhile, said that there would be no let up in the police s anti-insurgency operations in the state, the DGP added, the operations were being intensified, especially in Garo Hills. The problem is there, but definitely not big. We are adopting a multi-prolonged approach to deal with militants and very soon would be successful, Mr Ramachandran said.

Casualties hurt Meghalaya police morale

2011-10-17T20:22:00.000-07:00

Shillong, Oct. 18 : The death of six lower ranked policemen this year in anti-insurgency operations in Garo hills after being trapped by the GNLA, has dealt a blow to the morale of constables.

At least five other policemen also sustained injuries in the past year fighting militants.

Despite the Special Weapons and Tactics team (SWAT) of the state police, the special Combat Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) of the CRPF and personnel of BSF being engaged in combating militancy in Garo hills, the casualties mostly involve state police constables.

The latest incident took place on the evening of October 15 when havildar William Mawiong and two others were lured into a GNLA trap in the West Garo Hills.

After a villager, identified as Pintu Marak, lured them to the nearby river for fishing, the GNLA militants abducted the trio.

Mawiong was shot dead while two other policemen, Sambu Dalu and Grejilistone Momin, were tortured by the militants.

A similar trap was laid on June 4, when three policemen were killed and two others were injured by GNLA militants at Tapa Darengchi in the East Garo Hills.At Tapa Darengchi, the policemen had conducted one round of anti-dacoity raids in the early morning of June 4 and took shelter at Sepikol a nearby village as it was raining heavily.

Later, a few civilians informed them that there was some fresh robberies at Tapa Darengchi.

However, it was a trap as the police personnel were climbing the hillock to reach the spot of the robbery, the GNLA militants who were on a hillock ambushed them.

After the attack, the militants snatched an AK-47, INSAS, carbine and SLR rifles, magazines and three jackets.

The three victims in the June 4 ambush were havildar Blein Makhroh and constables Duke M. Sangma, and Johnhighbirth Marak, the injured policemen were G.G. Momin and M. Rymbai who were constables from the unarmed branch of the police.

In yet another case on July 3, GNLA militants succeeded in confusing the policemen.

In their hunt against the GNLA cadres in a village near Williamnagar in the East Garo Hills, two teams of police personnel which mistook each other for militants, clashed, resulting in the death of havildar Gopal Prasad Nunia and constable Exmarting Marak.

With these series of incidents, the issue of pushing constables and havildars to the forefront to fight militants is a cause of discontent among the lower ranked police officers posted in Garo hills.

However, Meghalaya DGP N. Ramachandran who concluded his Garo hills visit on October 15 instilled confidence among the policemen during his four-day stay.

He said the police were committed to neutralise the activities of the GNLA.

The DGP during his interaction with reporters the same day in Tura admitted the difficulties and poor standard of living of his officers and men on the ground.

Despite getting the lowest pay, an average policeman was working nothing short of 15 hours a day, the DGP said, adding that he would make efforts to uplift their living condition.

Giving courage to policemen on duty, the DIG, western range G.H.P Raju, who is co-ordinating the operations against the GNLA militants in Garo hills said the tactics of the GNLA are nothing but acts of cowardice.

He also said the police have established some leads into the killing of havildar William Mawiong and added that the Garo villager, Pintu Marak, who lured the policemen to the riverside for fishing, is an overground worker of the GNLA.

The constables who were assaulted by the GNLA have identified the group of militants led by the southern commander of GNLA, Baichung Momin, and accomplices identified as Chenang and Laben.

According to the police officer, the movement of GNLA cadres led by Momin from Chokpot to Purakhasia and Gambegre was noticed for the past few weeks.

Photo exhibition reveals life in India's coal belt

2011-10-15T22:03:00.001-07:00

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In a filthy pit, straining his body as he hacks ash from the ground, the image of a man captured in a black and white photograph represents the working conditions of many labourers in coal-rich northeast India.
The picture is one of several being exhibited in London this month by photographer Srinivas Kuruganti, illustrating life in Jharkland state, where underground fires sparked by coal mining have raged for nearly a century and displaced communities.
Kuruganti's fascination with the impacts of coal mining in northeast India started with a short bus ride he took in 1999, from the city of Varanasi to a small town called Chandasi, the biggest coal depot in Asia.
"Hundreds of men and women spend all day shovelling and carrying coal in and out of trucks," he said.
"The air is so thick with fine particles of coal dust that all shops, houses and roads are coated black. I spent a few days there but was left feeling that there was more I wanted to know."
His striking photographs form part of "Shifting Landscapes," an exhibition which also depicts the fast-changing landscapes of China through the lenses of husband and wife photographers Max and Liz Haarala Hamilton.
Underground fires
Despite its rampant industry, Jharkhand is one of India's poorest states, with Kuruganti citing estimates that more than half the state does not have access to clean drinking water. World Bank data from 2007 showed 59 percent of children there were malnourished.
Another of Kuruganti's exhibited photos, showing two people perched on the edge of a dumpsite carrying baskets, depicts another aspect of life in the coal belt. Locals in the city climb down perilously dangerous slopes of dumpsites collecting coal, which they rely on for heating and fuel.
Elsewhere in Jharkhand, uprooting families in the town of Jharia, underground coalfield fires have burned since the early 20th century.
Mining in India displaced about 2.6 million people between 1950 and 1991, according to a 2008 report by the Centre for Science and Environment in India. Fewer than a quarter of them have been rehabilitated, the report added.
Unregulated mining in Jharkland state has converted forests into wastelands and made the region uninhabitable for the local people from the Adivasi tribal group, who rely largely on the forests for sustenance, Kuruganti said. According to estimates over a million Adivasis were displaced between 1950 and 2000, he added.
"You look at who pays the price for economic development", said Kuruganti. "It's always the people in the village, by being displaced, or their land is taken away."
The exhibition, which is in conjunction with east London photography festival "Photomonth," runs from Oct 15-30 at London's Gallery S O.

Meghalaya government constitutes committee to break deadlock

2011-10-15T03:08:00.001-07:00

Shillong, Oct 15 : The Meghalaya government today formed a committee to break the deadlock between different factions of the society and government officials over the alignment of four-laning road project on National Highway 40 connecting Guwahati and Shillong in state's Ri Bhoi district.

''We have constituted committee comprising of Ri Bhoi district deputy commissioner, PWD officials and Umsning headmen to present their personal views before choosing the route, either the existing path or the bypass road,'' Chief Minister Mukul Sangma told reporters here.

The night roadblockade began yesterday. The blockade would again continue on October 19 and 20, while a dawn to dusk bandh has been called on October 21.

''There was no untoward incident in the district yesterday and all precautions are being taken to maintain law and order,'' Ri-Bhoi Superintendent of Police Claudia Lyngwa said.

The government Committee was constituted after the Joint Action Committee (JAC), comprising of social organisations, called a four- night road blockade on NH 40 from yesterday against the government’s decision to build the project through the existing market in Umsning.

Two JAC activists were arrested.

The district admnistration has imposed section 144 CrPC in the entire district prohibiting obstruction of vehicular movement along the National Highway -40.

The JAC wants the state government to adhere to the National Highway Authority of India’s projected alignment that takes a bypass from the existing market at Umsning.

Earlier, Chief Minister held closed door meeting with Khasi Student’s Union, Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People’s and Hynniewtrep National Youth Front seeking their suggestion to break the deadlock over the issue.

''We welcome the government’s decision (formation of the committee) and we would appeal to the JAC for the suspension of the ongoing agitational programmes,'' KSU President, Samuel Jyrwa said.

The state BJP unit, meanwhile, demanded a clarification from the chief minister about the allegations raised by social organisations that the state government was alternating the original alignment of the project under the influence of businessmen.

MAWM urges govt to legalise wine making

2011-10-14T21:27:00.001-07:00

Wine makers of Meghalaya under the banner of Meghalaya Association of Wine Makers (MAWM) have urged the state government to consider legalisation of fruit wine production in the state. In a memorandum submitted to Excise Minister Abu Taher Mondal here yesterday the MAWM urged the state government to initiate process for legalising the production of fruit wine in the state to boost horticullture and fruits cultivation. Mizoram, a dry state for so many years, has legalised wine making from grapes and other fruits which benefit people of the state, MAWM president Michael N Syiem said. Legalising of fruit wine production in the state will give boost to horticulture which in turn benefit the rural economy, provide avenue for self employment and also attract tourists in the state, Mr Syiem said. Mr Syiem said, the look east policy of the union government will also provide a market for our fruit wines and further add incentive to wine trade. There has been growing number of home wine makers who got inspired through wine festivals and awareness about benefit of moderate consumption of wine, the association pointed out. The campaign to legalise the wine making in the state was started many years ago but the government has taken no decision till date. Wine in Meghalaya is being produced from fruits like black berries, passion fruit, strawberry, peach, pineapple, valencia, ginger, plum, watermelon and other fruits, the association said.

District level team constituted to check influx in M’laya

2011-10-14T20:59:00.001-07:00

The Meghalaya government today constituted a district level team to check influx under the Work Permit System (WPS). “A dedicated team is required to implement work permit for labourers, adding, the state would strengthen the Anti Infiltration Wing of the police department to curb infiltration of illegal immigrants,” Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma told reporters here.

Though, the implementation of the WPS would have huge financial implications, Dr Sangma, said the state government was committed in taking steps to curb influx. The Government had informed that all the 39 blocks of the state would have one Labour Inspector with support staffs whose appointment would be done by a single window agency by October 15.

The task of the labour inspector in each block is to register any labourer or employee coming from outside the state. Meanwhile, the district level team would consist of representatives from the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police’s office.

The Khasi Students Union (KSU), which had earlier spearheaded many agitations against Bangladeshi migrants, is putting pressure on the state government to immediately implement the WPS. The student body has threatened to launch an agitation if the government fails to introduce the work permit for migrant labourers soon.

Meghalaya villages seek merger with Assam

2011-10-14T20:58:00.001-07:00

SHILLONG, Oct 15 – Seeing the developmental initiatives undertaken in Assam side, the Meghalaya residents of Sawlad, Nonrilong, Umsha, Umsohiong, Patharsiphiah and Bilkolang villages located in the Assam-Meghalaya border have openly displayed their desire to merge with Assam in order to benefit from the different development programmes.

An embarrased Meghalaya Government has asked its top officials as well as the Deputy Commissioner of West Khasi Hills to probe the report on the six villages that resolved to associate with Assam.

This is the second case of Meghalaya villagers display of lack of faith in the Government of Meghalaya. The first case was a village in the same district which refused to co-operate in the Census operations carried out by Meghalya officials.

Following the report, Meghalaya Minister for Revenue R C Laloo has asked senior officers in Shillong and the Deputy Commissioner of West Khasi Hills to institute an inquiry and submit the findings at the earliest.

Laloo told a group of newsmen on Wednesday, “I have asked the officials to ignore all the official formalities and to submit the report at the earliest”. He also expressed concern at the developments in the villages located along the Assam-Meghalaya border.

Asserting that such a display of disloyalty will not be accepted, the Minister said, “What belongs to us should be ours”, adding, “We are trying to get back our areas taken by Assam through the Joint Chief Secretary Committee of border areas. Already, the Chief Secretaries of Assam and Meghalaya are engaged in the process of solving the vexed inter-State border issues involving the 12 areas of dispute.

Meanwhile, the disgruntled villagers were complaining about the lack of roads, power, water, schools and health centres.

JAC leaders arrested, Blockade to continue in Meghalaya

2011-10-13T21:32:00.001-07:00

Meghalaya police today arrested two Joint Action Committee (JAC) actvists ahead of their four night road blockade, which started off this evening following the alignment of four-laning road project in the National Highway 40 connecting Guwahati and Shillong in State s Ri Bhoi District. The JAC has intensified its stir to pressurise the state government to give up its plan to construct the highway from the existing road at Umsning. The JAC wanted that the construction of the four-lane Gauhati-Shillong road through an identified Umsning by-pass. The blockade which started off at 1900 hours would be effective on October 13, 14, 19 and 20 besides, 12-hour Ri-Bhoi district bandh from 5 am on October 21. The state police arrested JAC leaders - Eddie Kharnabi and David Kharnaior - from their respective residences at Umsning based on FIRs filed against the JAC for arsons and stone pelting on vehicles during their last month road blockade. We arrested them based on FIR filed against by certain indivuals for damaging their vehicles by stone pelting and burning of vehicles, Superintendent of Police Claudia Lyngwa told UNI. In order to prevent breakdown of law and order in the district, Ms Lyngwa said elaborate security arrangment have been made to maintain law and order. We have got additional forces to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order, she added. The district admnistration has imposed secction 144 CrPC in the entire district prohibiting obstruction of vehicular movement along the National Highway -40. Meanwhile, Public Works Department Minister HDR Lyngdoh maintianed that the government would go by the unanimous decision taken by the Assembly in the last budget session to go ahead with the four-laning work along the existing road at Umsning. NH-40 connects the Meghalaya capital with Guwahati and extends to Jowai in Jaintia Hills and Barak valley up to Tripura and Mizoram thorough National Highway-44. The Central Government has sanctioned Rs 536 crore for four- laning a 61.80 km stretch of this highway from Jorabat to Barapani. Out of the budget, Rs 167 crore has already been paid as land compensation. Work began this year and was moving smoothly till it reached Umsning in Ri-Bhoi district. Meanwhile, the JAC has decided not tow bow down to government pressure following the arrest of its leaders. We will go ahead with our stir till the government fulfill our demand despite the arrest of our two leaders, JAC Chairman Donkupar Sumer said. The JAC also alleged that the state government s decision for construction of four-lane road along the existing highway had been influenced by some petrol pump owners who have been lobbying with concerned minister. The JAC also accused politicians who own commercial buildings and other properties along the existing highway, of throwing their weight behind the government s decision in order to claim compensation if their buildings and other structures were destroyed.

NCP demands probe on illegal cement plants in Meghalaya

2011-10-12T22:11:00.001-07:00

Shillong, Oct 13 : The Opposition Nationalist Congress Party in Meghalaya today demanded an independent inquiry into the use of forest land and lime stones scattered in the forest area by cement companies without obtaining environmental clearance.

The Union Ministry of Environment and Forest had issued a letter to the Meghalaya government questioning the 'No Objection Certificate' issued to the eight cement plants operating in Jaintia Hills without getting environmental clearance.

''The government must institute an independent probe into the illegal setting up of these cement plants and mining of limestone’s in forest areas,'' Leader of Opposition Conrad K Sangma told reporters here.

He said a delegation of NCP leaders would also take up the issue with the central government to initiate action against these cement companies.

''We are not against economic industrializations, but we are against this form of industrialization violating environmental norms,'' Mr Sangma said.

Meghalaya Forest and Environment Minister Prestone Tynsong said the government had constituted high-level committee as per the recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee of the Supreme Court into these issue.

''All doubts over the mining activities of the cement plants would be cleared once the Committee submits its report in November,'' Mr Tynsong said.

Molested Shillong girl seeks justice

2011-10-12T21:42:00.001-07:00

Acquaintance offers lift, tries to rape her

E.M. JOSE

Shillong, Oct. 13 : A student from Arunachal Pradesh who fought off a rape attempt by an acquaintance from her state is facing a tougher battle against forces that are trying stifle her cries for justice.

The 21-year-old was offered a lift by 24-year-old Bengia Anthony on his bike to her home in Shillong on the evening of October 7.

Instead of dropping her home, Anthony took her to Lad Smit on the outskirts of Shillong and tried to rape her, according to the girl’s statement. The girl lodged an FIR of “attempt to rape, murder and kidnapping” the same day against Anthony, whom she claimed to know well.

As the youth tried to pin her down, the girl screamed and bit his right arm, the FIR said.

Hearing the shouts, two persons rushed to rescue the girl, while Anthony sped away on his bike.

Constant prodding by the Shillong-based Civil Society Women’s Organisation led to Anthony’s arrest.

Anthony, however, was not available for comment as he was hospitalised soon after his arrest.

The superintendent of police, Shillong city, M. Kharkrang, said Anthony has filed a counter FIR from the hospital alleging that the FIR filed by the girl was false.

“Anthony is still in hospital and we have not been able to interrogate him,” he added.

The girl, on the other hand, reportedly gets threatening calls asking her to “forget about the incident”.

Refusing to bow to such pressure, she told reporters that she would pursue the case to bring the culprit to book.

The president of Civil Society Women’s Organisation, Agnes Kharshiing, today said the girl was in trauma, as Anthony appears to be an influential person who can cause further damage to her reputation and also influence the inquiry.

She said the counter FIR by Anthony blamed the two local persons who came to the girl’s rescue for the crime.

“It is also very unfortunate that many people are trying to blame the girl just to save the boy who is more influential. They are even trying to blame the persons who had saved her by saying that the culprit tried to save her from those two persons,” Kharshiing said.

Kharshiing said the girl had showed her the scratches she sustained on her body while fighting Anthony.

Quoting the victim, Kharshiing also said the accused tried to strangulate her.

SP Kharkrang said the girl’s medical report showed there were a lot of scratches on her body, besides signs of struggle.

He, however, said he had not gone through the medical reports of the accused, though the girl had alleged that there would be bite marks on his right arm.

Ray of hope for Garo Hills

2011-10-12T21:31:00.001-07:00

SHILLONG: It seems the lives of poverty-stricken people of Garo Hills in Meghalaya is soon going to change for the better with the Centre, of late, making an attempt to alleviate their miseries.

A few years ago, the entire South Garo Hills district was selected by the Centre for implementing the National Food for Work Programme, which seeks to generate employment and provide food security. It also aims to create assets in 150 most backward districts of the country.

asThe pace of implementation of the programme would be accelerated in the days to come and the social security net will continue to be made available to the people through old-age pension, family and maternity benefit schemes,a? an official said.

It may be noted that Garo Hills has some of the poorest villages in the country as the tribals there still practice a?jhuma (slash and burn) cultivation which gives little returns. In the absence of basic facilities for education, healthcare and most importantly alternative avenues for income generation, it is hardly a riddle why these people are so poor.

Now, the government is focusing on employment generation among farmers and educated unemployed youth through animal husbandry and dairy farming sectors, the official added. He said the Centre-sponsored scheme for Integrated Dairy Development Project in Jaintia and West Garo Hills is being implemented, and the construction components of the project are expected to be completed soon. The government had also launched a scheme to dig 1,000 fish ponds in the rural areas of the state a few years ago.

The government has embarked on a mission to provide power-tillers in the state through a loan-cum-subsidy scheme as low-level of agricultural mechanization has been identified as one of the main reasons for poor crop yield in the state.

Recently, chief minister Mukul Sangma handed over ignition keys of power tillers to several farmers in the Garo Hills.

CSWO condemns attempted rape in Meghalaya

2011-10-10T23:41:00.001-07:00

Shillong, Oct 11 : The Civil Society Women Organisation (CSWO) of Meghalaya has condemned the kidnap and attempt to rape of a girl hailing from Arunachal Pradesh by a person belonging to same state on October 7.

The CSWO sources said here today one Bengia Anthony kidnapped a girl and attempted to rape her in an isolated area on the outskirts of Shillong.

Incidentally, the girl managed to escape from the clutches of the culprit and met two person to whom she narrated the incident.

The duo, later handed over the girl to the authorities concerned, CSWO said, adding still the people were trying to blame the girl just to save the boy because he appeared to be more influential.

CSWO also said the culprit was trying to blame the duo who rescued the girl by saying that the culprit tried to save the girl from the duo.

Anti-measles campaign starts in Meghalaya

2011-10-10T08:31:00.001-07:00

Shillong: The centrally-aided anti-measles vaccination programme aimed at covering nearly 99 per cent of children in Meghalaya began in four districts Monday.

"We target to reach more than 6,66,000 children in both rural and urban areas of Meghalaya," the nodal officer for the anti-measles campaign, Dr M R Basaiawmoit, said.

The districts to be covered are: Khasi, Bhoi, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills.

Basaiawmoit said the first day's vaccination suffered some minor hiccups when some superstitious villages protested against the campaign.

"We will have to go to such villages and hold talks with the elders to educate them on the need to have vaccination against measles," Dr Basaiawmoit said.

Meghalaya is ranked below the national average at 58 per cent and even below Mizoram where measles eradication status stands at 62 per cent, Dr Basaiawmoit said quoting WHO report.

During the first phase of the anti-measles campaign conducted by the government last year, about 14 million children in the country were vaccinated.

Meghalaya replaces plastic with leaf bags

2011-10-10T00:35:00.001-07:00

Guwahati, Oct 10 : Bags hand-woven from locally available leaves have replaced plastic in Meghalaya. The decision to use leaf bags followed a clampdown on plastic bags by the municipal board in state capital Shillong.

According to urban affairs minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, the eco-friendly bag, for non-food items would be the traditional 'pla iew'. Edible commodities, on the other hand, would be carried in a leaf bag called 'sla'.

"Such a decision was necessary," Lyngdoh said. "The once crystal clear river Umkhrah, which passes through the heart of Shillong, has become polluted mainly because of clogging due to plastic bags. Even lake Umiam (20 km north of Shillong) has become a dump yard for various forms of plastic."

In order to mean business, Lyngdoh's department confiscated plastic bags from various shops in Shillong last week. The bags filled up two trucks.

Elders seek stern action

2011-10-08T20:55:00.001-07:00

Shillong, Oct 9 : Village elders of Laitlyngkot-Nongkynrih area in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district today asked the administration to take stern action against those involved in the brutal killing of three persons, who were accused of being menshohnoh (cut-throats).
Three persons, one at Maraikaphon and two at Mawkisyiem in the Sohra region, hailing from Laitlyngkot region, died since Tuesday after they were lynched by villagers who accused them of being menshohnoh or those who worship U Thlen (a mythical serpent) in the hope of acquiring wealth.
“If peace is to prevail, the administration has to take stern action against those who brutally killed our people in the two localities. The heartless slaying of the trio, Timingstar Khongsit at Maraikaphon and Warless Nongrum and Batskhem Rynjah at Mawkisyiem is totally condemnable and unacceptable,” Iengskhem Nongkynrih, headman of Mawkneng locality under Nongkynrih, told reporters after a meeting with East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner Jopthiaw Lyngdoh.
He also said the villagers are still angry with the incidents. “The people from Sohra should publicly admit their fault, which led to the brutal killings,” Nongkynrih added.
The deputy commissioner along with East Khasi Hills superintendent of police A.R. Mawthoh met the village elders of Laitlyngkot-Nongkynrih area to calm down the situation and to avoid any possible backlash against the people from Sohra area.
“We want to ensure that no backlash takes place following the unfortunate killing of the trio. We have also requested the village elders to speak to the villagers and to ask them not to take the law into their own hands,” Lyngdoh said.
A meeting with the elders of Sohra and those from Laitlyngkot-Nongkynrih area under the banner of peace committee has also been convened on Monday to diffuse tension, Lyngdoh added.
The superintendent of police said the law will take its own course against the perpetrators.
Yesterday, a court had remanded 10 people in seven-day police custody after they were arrested for their alleged involvement in the brutal killing of Khongsit.
Mawthoh said the police had ascertained the involvement of the 10 people before they were finally arrested. “We did not randomly arrest them. They were apprehended based on strong evidence,” he said.
On the Mawkisyiem incident, Mawthoh said a case has been registered and the culprits will be brought to book within the next few days.
On reports that a “compromise” has been reached between the perpetrators and the victims’ families, Mawthoh said the police will pursue the case notwithstanding the reported reconciliation.
He also said as the people from Laitlyngkot area had expressed fear of going to the weekly Sohra market in view of the incidents, additional police personnel will be deployed especially during market days.
“We are hopeful for a peaceful settlement to ensure that such unfortunate incidents do not reoccur. We are also trying our best to calm our people down so that no backlash takes place,” I. Riwan, secretary of Madan Lyngdoh, Nongkynrih said.
According to police, rumours about the presence of cut-throats started doing the rounds after the disappearance of a mentally challenged person from Mawmluh village near Sohra, and the death of a pilot, Mark Gautam Reddy Lynrah, who had gone missing from Sohra since August 18. Lynrah’s body was recovered from a gorge in Sohra on August 27.

Two BSF men detained after 'human sacrifice'

2011-10-08T00:29:00.001-07:00

Shillong: Two Border Security Force (BSF) troopers were detained on Friday for allegedly killing a seven-year-old boy as part of an occult "human sacrifice" in Meghalaya, police said.

Krishna Singh, son of a BSF trooper, went missing on Wednesday after visiting a Durga Puja marquees with his elder brother in a BSF campus at Prahari Nagar in Tura in the western part of Meghalaya.

When the boy's family and BSF personnel launched a hunt, the body was discovered with multiple injuries in the campus on Thursday morning.

"It is a gruesome murder and we are suspecting it to be a case of human sacrifice," Meghalaya police chief N. Ramachandran told IANS.

He said two BSF troopers -- Chandrawan and Babu Khan -- had been detained and were being interrogated.

Police have also gone to Mankachar in Assam to quiz Lukman Haqib, a tantrik priest in connection with the murder.

Meghalaya to have bitumen-plastic roads

2011-10-05T05:35:00.001-07:00

SHILLONG: In a first-of-its-kind move in the northeast, bitumen and waste plastic will be used for road construction in Shillong using a technology known for its durability, especially in extreme weather conditions.

To start with, a four-km stretch in Jhalupara area of the city, which gets damaged every year due to heavy rains, will be re-constructed by Shillong Cantonment Board at an estimated cost of Rs 30 lakh. The CEO of the board, S Prabhakaran, said the board is approaching Madurai-based R Vasudevan, the patented owner of the technology. He added it will be the same as of conventional bitumen mix but will have a longer lifespan.

"To lay 1 km of plastic road 3.75 m wide, 9 tonne of bitumen and 1 tonne of waste plastic are required. A normal road requires 10 tonne bitumen for each kilometre. So a plastic road saves 1 tonne bitumen for every kilometre laid. Each tonne of bitumen costs Rs 50,000 to 60,000," he said.

Meghalaya to introduce change in mining policy

2011-10-05T00:18:00.001-07:00

Expressing concern over the unscientific rat hole mining prevalent in Meghalaya especially in Jaintia Hills areas, Deputy Chief Minister In-charge Mining, Bindo M. Lanong, has stated that Meghalaya government has incorporated certain clauses in the proposed State Mining Policy which would make it mandatory for miners to refill the land after conducting mining operations.
“We would not allow any miners to leave the land where unscientific rat hole mining has been carried out without refilling it. The Government would ensure that this is being implemented in its true spirit since it is a matter of life and death for the people residing in those areas,” Lanong said.
He said that the Government would also encourage planting of trees in all those areas where mining activities take place considering it the most effective way to preserve the greenery of the mining zones.
When asked about the recent incidents in Jaintia Hills where several cracks have appeared on the earth’s surface, Lanong said he had sought a detailed report from the department in this regard.
“I would be able to give detailed information only after I receive the report. But the government would not take this incident lightly,” the Deputy Chief Minister asserted.
Unorganised rat hole mining in the coal rich belt in Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya has remained a concern as it is posing hazard to the environment. These sometimes turn to death traps for mining workers too.

UCPF urges state government to negotiate with militants

2011-10-03T21:15:00.001-07:00

The United Christian Peace Forum (UCPF) in Garo Hills regions of Meghalaya has urged the state government to create a conducive atmosphere for talks with the militant groups operating in the regions. The UCPF also appealed to both the Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) and Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) to refrain from violence, especially releasing reports which are of unhealthy emotions, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the people. In A memorandum submitted on October one to Chief Minister Mukul Sangma signed by Church leaders--Rev Greater Burn R Marak and Rev Manhseng A Momin, the UCPF asked Dr Sangma to invite the militant groups to come forward to the negotiating table to sort out the different issues. Expressing concern over operations by security forces, the UPCF also said that such operations should be carried out with due concern to the needs of the common people and the local communities and should in no way violate human rights especially the dignity of women and innocent youth. We have been watching the recent developments in different parts of Garo Hills and we feel we cannot simply sit and watch the situation anymore, the UCPF said. The UCPF also recalled how the recent bandh had affected people of Garo Hills particularly the rural poor who earn their daily bread by selling perishable products and school and college going students. During such frequent bandhs called in Garo Hills, the UCPF pointed out that many of the daily bread earners and their families were deprived of their right to livelihood. The UCPF also organised peace rallies on October 1 at Tura, Resubelpara, Williamnagar and Baghmara-- the three district headquarters-- and discussed the prevailing law and order situation in the region.

Forum appeals for peace in hills

2011-10-02T22:51:00.000-07:00

Rallies in Garo hills for harmony
OUR CORRESPONDENT

People take out a peace rally in Tura, West Garo Hills, on Saturday. Telegraph picture
Shillong, Oct 3 : The United Christian Peace Forum yesterday appealed to the A’chik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) and the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) to refrain from violence while asking the Meghalaya government to initiate a dialogue with militant groups.
The forum, a conglomerate of various churches operating in Garo hills, also organised simultaneous peace rallies in West Garo Hills, East Garo Hills and South Garo Hills districts yesterday to appeal for restoration of peace and harmony in the region.
In a memorandum to chief minister Mukul Sangma, the forum highlighted the problems faced by the people as a result of “militancy” that has again surfaced in Garo hills after having been on the wane a few years ago.
“We have been watching the recent developments in different parts of Garo hills and we feel we cannot just simply sit and watch. You may have read the press releases that have come out in the media regarding the efforts that are being taken by the Forum to help the government mediate with the so-called militant groups,” Rev. Greater Burn R. Marak and Rev. Manhseng A. Momin said in the memorandum.
They said the recent bandh experienced by the people of Garo hills had been the worst in the history of the region and had affected the lives of all citizens, particularly the rural poor who earn their daily bread by selling perishable products.
“During such frequent bandhs, many of the daily bread earners and their families are deprived of their right to livelihood. The imminent price rise because of the disturbance in movement of essential commodities is also a great concern to the people. Garo hills is lagging behind in many areas such as infrastructure and if such bandhs are frequently called, the future of the region will be bleak,” the forum said.
The forum appealed to the ANVC and the GNLA to refrain from violence and also from issuing press statements which, apart from arousing unhealthy emotions, creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the people in Garo hills.
In the recent past, a series of war of words between the ANVC, currently under ceasefire, and the GNLA, a nascent militant outfit, broke out.
“The Forum is trying its best to keep Garo hills intact and we humbly appeal to the government to look for effective, alternative and sincere measures to bring back peace and normality,” the Forum said.
On the current combing operations in the region, it said: “Their operations should be carried out with due concern to the needs of the common people and the local communities and should in no way violate human rights especially the dignity of women and innocent youths.”
“We appeal to you to create an atmosphere for talks so that the so-called militant groups can come forward to the negotiating table to sort out the different issues pertaining to their so-called cause,” the Forum added.