Headman files FIR against villagers
JOWAI: The headman of Ummulong village in West Jaintia Hills, who is facing wrath of villagers for not convening dorbar in the last three years, has lodged an FIR against protesters.On September 29, a group of about 200 villagers took out a procession in protest against headman SS Langi, the chairman and the secretary of the village. Langi in his complaint accused Champbel Myrboh and others of trespassing with the intention of hurting and intimidation. After the villagers raised the demand for a dorbar and lodged a complaint with the Dolloi of Elaka Jowai, the Dolloi wrote to Langi directing him to hold a dorbar on September 28.The villagers alleged that the headman, the chairman and the secretary misled the Dolloi saying the meeting was held on September 6 and 21. The protesters pointed out that there was social audit on September 6 and cleaning drive on September 21 but no dorbar.
Rs 200, 50 notes still elusive in city
SHILLONG: The Rs 200 and Rs 50 notes continue to elude the common man’s pocket in the city despite the Reserve Bank of India releasing the currency over a month back.Sources in the city-based banks said only a nominal quantity of the lower denomination currency has been provided to them so far and that it was not enough for wider circulation.”As and when supply increases, more notes will be in circulation,” the sources said.As of now, ATMs in the city have not been dispensing the new notes.
Man arrested for murder
JOWAI: West Jaintia Hills police arrested a 56-year-old man identified as Tam Biam for allegedly murdering a 32-year-old man, Bringstone Pyrtuh, at Khanduli village. According to the deceased man’s elder sister, Mercyful Pyrtuh, Biam hit her brother with an iron lever causing instant death. Police arrested Biam and the weapon used for the murder was seized.
Traders’ body discourages use of plastic bags
SHILLONG: In reference to the central government’s Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, which bans the manufacture and use of plastic bags below 50 microns, the Khasi Trader’s Welfare Association (KTWA) has urged shopkeepers and plastic users not to use plastics below 50 microns as the plastics pose a threat to the environment due to its non-disposability. The organisation has also urged people to join hands with them to ensure cleanliness in the environment as a whole.
MUPSTA plans expansion for grassroots reach
SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Upper Primary School Teachers Association (MUPSTA), which will complete 25 years next year, is planning to extend its reach to the block level as part of its grassroots campaign, said a senior member.In a statement issued on Monday, MUPSTA general secretary RR Ronghang said the association was looking to include more teachers in its fold. Ronghang, who was among the senior members to attend MUPSTA Nongstoin’s general meeting at Ri Khasi Free Morning UP School on September 28, also presented a report on the issues that the association fought for along with the Joint Action Committee of All Teachers Association of Meghalaya from 2012-2017. MUPSTA’s organising cum publicity secretary EG War said the association had spearheaded several agitations since 1993 for enhancement of teachers’ salary.He added that there is an urgent need for unity in the association as it plans to demand full-fledged deficit by 2018. The association will celebrate its silver jubilee in 2018.
Awards given to various Durga Puja committees
Shillong: The Kench’s Trace Durga Puja Committee organised a prize distribution ceremony on October 1 at their puja pandal.Awards under five categories were given to various Durga Puja committees, after detailed evaluation of the different parameters of all Puja held in Meghalaya, by experts in the field and consultation with the Central Puja Committee. The overall performance award was bagged by The Meghalaya Hindu Mission DPC, Mawprem, Puja under trying circumstances award was bagged by Balat DPC, best idol award was bagged by AC lane DPC, Police Bazar, best reception award was bagged by Accounts and Audit Estate DPC, Motinagar, Swachh Bharat award was bagged by Sri Sri Cantonment DPC, Paltan Bazar. The president of Central Puja Committee, Naba Bhattacharjee and general secretary JL Das graced the prize distribution ceremony as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
NGO members catch police truck with timber
SHILLONG: The GSU Depa Unit and the All A’chik Youth Federation (AAYF) on Monday filed an FIR after they intercepted a police truck illegally transporting timber to Assam in the wee hours of Monday.The timber-laden vehicle, bearing registration number, ML 02 – 3011, was caught by members of the two NGOs at Dainadubi. The five labourers in the truck, escaped. North Garo Hills police, however, is tight lipped on the entire matter.
Coal-laden truck detected
JOWAI: Nartiang police detected a coal-laden truck parked at the Durga Temple junction on the Nangbah-Nartiang road on Monday and detained the vehicle’s driver and his assistant. Coal mining and transportation of the material is currently banned by the National Green Tribunal. The Nartiang police were on a routine check when they found the 12- wheel truck bearing registration number, NL02L-6407, parked on the Nangbah-Nartiang road. The vehicle was loaded with coal in excess quantity, police said. The police thereafter detained the driver, Danga-hi Phawa, and his helper, Larmi Lamin. The duo belong to Wahiajer village.